LGBTQ+ groups are set to stage a vigil outside the Scottish Parliament on Monday following events which marked Trans Day of Remembrance.
In honour of the day, marked on November 20, the event aims to ensure that transgender people who have lost their lives around the world are remembered and honoured.
The “Mourn the Dead” vigil will begin on Monday afternoon and will also include a protest for better protections for trans people in Scotland and across the globe.
It will take place from 2pm until 5pm outside the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh.
READ MORE: Steph Paton: Why there can be no retreat in fight for trans rights
In a statement, event organisers said: “We need to take up space, to remember and grieve for the trans people around the world who have been killed both by direct transphobic violence, as well as the more indirect transphobic violence, enacted through systemic discrimination and policies that intentionally make it impossible for trans people to survive.
“We also need to take time to remember and mourn those we have lost to suicide as a result of the discrimination, harassment, bullying and ostracism they faced when they were alive.”
The global remembrance day on November 20 seen charities such as suicide prevention organisation Samaritans, LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall and public bodies like the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) voice their support.
The Sunday National recently heard from three trans women who shared their experiences and struggles trying to access basic healthcare.
In a statement, the SFRS said: “We support our trans, non-binary and gender diverse employees on Trans Day of Remembrance, as lives continue to be blighted by hate, prejudice and discrimination, and reflect with the wider community on those who have lost their lives just because of who they are.”
On Trans Day of Remembrance we honour the memory of those around the world who have lost their lives because of who they are.
— Scottish Greens (@scottishgreens) November 20, 2022
We stood with you yesterday, we stand with you today, and we'll stand with you tomorrow. #TDOR pic.twitter.com/3inhh2IbnG
The Scottish Greens also showed their support on Twitter. The party said: “On Trans Day of Remembrance we honour the memory of those around the world who have lost their lives because of who they are.
“We stood with you yesterday, we stand with you today, and we’ll stand with you tomorrow.”
Events also took place in other areas of Scotland, including a vigil held at Dundee University.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here