The Institute honors the lives of BLACK transgender people everyday. The violent and preventable nature of these deaths directly connects to the exclusion of BLACK trans people from social justice issues; namely racial, gender, and reproductive justice, as well as gun violence reform. We will be spending this month, in observance of Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance, showcasing the brilliance and excellence of BLACK transgender people. We will be demanding a powershift and protections for BLACK transgender people. We are creative. We are worthy. WE ARE UNFORGETTABLE.
FRAMING
Our “Trans People are Unforgettable” campaign is a continuation of “More Than A Number,” which disrupts the norm of only honoring BLACK trans people in death. At the start of each year, a countdown begins on the number of murdered trans people leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance with little to no regard for who we are. Our lives are more than a trending topic in the media, more than a hashtag on social media, more than a talking point on the morning news. We here at MPJI are shifting the narrative. Don’t call us a number. We have names. We have lives and WE ARE UNFORGETTABLE.
WHAT WE’RE DOING
As we invoke the spiritual guidance of Marsha P. Johnson, we are bringing our community together through a series of invitations to ground in remembrance, honor our contributions, and be in collaboration with ourselves and each other. These actions are open to all – community members and our collaborators.
Start the month off grounding with our TRANS-cestors using MPJI’s Remembrance Altar Guide, which includes supplies and suggested practices as a way to be grounded during this time. We’re also inviting everyone to share with us by submitting a picture of your altar here.
Featuring Wriply Bennet, Texas Isaiah, Qamar Yochanan
Join us for a conversation between three BLACK transgender artists to discuss the role of art as a means of resistance and the practice of creating as a way of healing. RSVP here. Moderated by Devin Niecy (MPJI, Director of Programs).
Call, write, tweet your Senator and demand we Pass the Equality Act to provide immediate federal protections to transgender people. Use our toolkit to get you started.
Make a short video or take a picture with a sign sharing your answer to the prompt: “Transgender people deserve…”. Then post and tag your elected officials and MPJI.
Don’t know your elected official? Click here.
We are inviting our community to take a rest, as it’s been an active and activating week. If you are attending a public altar/vigil please do so safely. Be sure to wear a mask. Stay home if you’re not feeling well.
