Transgender Day of Remembrance and a Call to Action: What About the Present?

This post was written by Joshua Clapp, seminarian at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and Inquirer under care of Mission Presbytery in San Antonio, Texas. Today, we take time to remember the brave souls who dared to be themselves in a world of people who hated them for it.We remember Tiffany, Semaj, Mya, Dede, Acey, Aaron, Kandii, Marisela, Hayden, Cherry, Keshia, Martasia, Kitty, Shawmane, Brazil, Chanelika, Maddie, Sasha, Nedra, Ray, Fern, Ariyanna, Mia, Kenyatta, Kathryne, Tatianna, Paloma, Matthew, Naomie, Skinner, Cypress, Dual, Amarie, Daniel, Kelly, and all the others whose lives were stolen from them. They lived their Truth and paid the ultimate price, their life -- not unlike a man named Jesus.Today I find myself asking questions such as, why do we have to observe a day like this? Why are trans folk being murdered? How can we ensure no more lives have to be remembered because they are ended too soon?These are all great questions, but the next question that came to me may be the best one to ask. That question is, what can I do right now to make today better for myself and other trans folk? This is the question, I believe, that will lead to a better tomorrow for all.The truth is that no amount of reflection will take away this painful day. Lives have already been lost and there is nothing we can do to change the past. But we can still change the present. We can reach out with a simple text that says, “I’m glad you exist,” or even send a handwritten letter to a transgender friend.If you do not personally know any trans individuals, there are numerous groups on social media that could point you in the right direction. Attend a local PFLAG meeting or read a book by a transgender or gender-diverse author. And, if you are reading this article, you now know a trans person -- me!If we continue to continue to follow the example set before us by Jesus and show simple kindness towards one another, we will be one step closer to God’s Kindom here on earth. May our remembrance today call us to action tomorrow.