Up North Pride honors Trans Day of Remembrance with Nov. 20 Luminary Walk
Photo: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore staff held a pride flag during an Up North Pride event in Traverse City in 2017.
From staff reports
Up North Pride will host a Transgender Day of Remembrance Luminary Walk on Wednesday, Nov. 20, on the Leelanau TART Trail between Farm Club and the Fouch Road trailhead. The half-mile pathway will be lined with glowing luminary bags featuring the names of those being honored with the memorial event between 5:30 and 7 pm.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is an annual observance that started in 1999 as a vigil for remembering and honoring all trans, gender diverse, intersex, and non-binary people who’ve lost their lives during the past year due to anti-transgender violence. Since then, this day of mourning has grown to special events, vigils, and memorial services throughout the United States and around expanded into other countries as well.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance brings people together to recognize victims of transphobic violence and advocate for a safer community,” explains Up North Pride executive director, Adrienne Brown-Reasner. “Everyone has the right to be their true authentic selves, and live without fear of being attacked for who they are. This event not only gives the community the opportunity to honor those lives lost in a personal way, but also to show support to all trans, gender-fluid, gender non-conforming members of our community.”
Participants may park in the Farm Club parking lot or the Fouch Road trailhead parking area and are welcome to spend as much time as they would like along the walkway. Names for this year’s remembrance event are collected from around the United States through Trans Lives Matter, Human Rights Campaign, and other 2SLGBTQ news sites. Blank luminary bags will be available for participants to decorate and add to the path as well.
In addition to the TDoR Luminary Walk, there will also be a special service starting at 7 pm at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse, located at 6726 Center Rd, in partnership with Evergreen, Benzie Pride, and Up North Pride. The event will also feature an “Art of Trans Joy” art display as well as resource information from local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations.
Up North Pride is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming community for the LGBTQ+ population in Northern Michigan through events, advocacy, and collaboration. For more information about the Luminary Walk, upcoming events and programs, and Up North Pride, visit UpNorthPride.com.
