Remarks prepared for a Transgender Day of Remembrance service in Atlanta, Ga.
Ladies, gentlemen, and non-binary siblings:
Today, we gather with a shared purpose, unified in spirit and heart, as we mark Trans Day of Remembrance. It’s a day to honor the lives lost, to acknowledge the struggles, but more importantly, to celebrate the resilience and power of the transgender community.
We come together not only to remember but to forge ahead with hope and determination. You stand as a testament to the unyielding spirit of our community. To every person out there who feels unseen or unheard, know this — you are vital, you are powerful, and you are infinitely worthy.
The trans community stands tall, built on the strength of those who came before you, trailblazers who challenged norms, broke barriers, and redefined existence. Their courage has paved the way for you to live our truths openly and unapologetically. With the first shoe and bottle thrown at Stonewall, every step you take is rooted in their legacy and in the dreams of a future where every transgender person can thrive without fear.
Each one of you is a beacon of change, an embodiment of progress. In the face of adversity, you have shown the world what it means to persevere. You have fought tirelessly for recognition, for justice, and for the fundamental right to exist as you are.
Today, we renew our commitment to this fight. We amplify our voices for those who cannot speak, for those who are silent. We stand united against hate, discrimination, and violence. We are here to affirm that transgender rights are human rights, and there is no turning back.
The young are often neglected in these gatherings, however, tonight I want to speak directly to them:
So, to the young trans individuals watching and listening, know that you are the architects of a brighter future. Your bravery inspires us all. Remember, you are not alone, and you have a community that stands with you, supports you, and cheers for your every triumph.
Your collective strength is a force that will not be broken. You are innovators, leaders, artists, and advocates. You are everything you choose to be, and you will continue to shape a world that sees you, values you, and celebrates you.
As we remember today, as we grieve and mourn today, we also envision tomorrow — a day where every transgender person is free to dream, to love, and to live authentically. Together, we will make this vision a reality.
Thank you for your courage, thank you for your passion, and your unwavering belief in a world where everyone belongs. Together, let’s continue to rise up, to resist furiously, and outshine the bastards who dare quench your beauty.
Editor-in-Chief of Whosoever and Founding and Senior Pastor of Gentle Spirit Christian Church of Atlanta, Rev. Paul M. Turner (he/him) grew up in suburban Chicago and was ordained by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches in 1989. He and his husband Bill have lived in metro Atlanta since 1994, have been in a committed partnership since the early 1980s and have been legally married since 2015.