City leaders gather with community for emotional Trans Day of Remembrance reflection at All Souls Unitarian

Members of the Trans Community Gather for Trans Day of Remembrance. // Photo by Joe Ellett

On Monday evening, a vigil and ceremony was held at All Souls Unitarian Church to honor late members of the transgender community.

Hosted by trans figure Kym Walton, and Transformations Community Advisory Board Members Tre’Shawn Roberts and Kelly Nou, around half a hundred congregated at the chapel to honor lost loved ones and share their personal experiences.

As the three shared the struggles that they and their peers have endured as transgender individuals, emotions ran high throughout the humanitarian church.

“For me, it’s a reminder of my sister who got murdered in the streets of Kansas City for being themselves and living their truth… to this day we still don’t know who murdered my sister, Aerrion Burnett,” Nou says. Burnett passed on September 19, 2020.

“This day is really special to me, because I almost wasn’t here to see it,” Walton says as she fights back tears. In March of 2011, she survived a shooting in the streets of Kansas City.

Trans Figures Honored at Trans Day of Remembrance. // Photo by Joe Ellett

Today, these women continue to advocate for the entirety of the trans community, emerging through the demoralizing amount of anti-trans legislation that has taken place in both Kansas and Missouri.

A diverse variety of trans figures from across the city came out to support the cause, with ILGA-Europe Senior Policy Officer Cianán B. Russell having traveled internationally from Belgium to visit, and deciding to take part in the commencement.

Russell, Alexandria Paul, Cherish Destiny Nelson, Dahlia Mahoney, Lisa Wright, and JD Bezares, were among six of the eight readers of late transgender individual’s names.

Along with these members of the trans community, city leaders such as Mayor Quinton Lucas, Transformations Executive Director Merrique Jenson, and 6th District Councilman Jonathan Duncan gave opening remarks.

“We look forward to having many more over the years ahead,” Lucas says. “More than anything, we look forward perhaps to a day where we don’t need to have a vigil of remembrance, but instead can celebrate the lives of all of those who make our state so special each day.”

Trans Figures and Advocates Read the Names of Late Trans Individuals. // Photo by Joe Ellett

The assembly marks the first time that the City of Kansas City has officially recognized and sponsored Trans Day of Remembrance, a huge progression for a city that has seen a substantial amount of pushback against transgender individuals over the last year.

“I think it’s past time that we actually formally recognize the Trans Day of Rememberance, a day that’s been in operation for years in the trans community,” Duncan says. “But I think this is actually an important step forward for the city to formally recognize the day, for the mayor, city council members, and city staff to be here and work and take the lead from trans leaders on what this day should be.”

The gathering was initially set to be held at Gillham Park where trans citizens were eager to debut the transgender community garden, a collaboration between city officials and trans leaders in the metro to create their first public-facing space.

As the evening carried on, a community circle was held for these trans trailblazers to get feedback on what their peers want the garden to look like. Some of the suggestions were to grow food in the space, have boxes for accessible hygiene supplies, and quite simply just a safe place to gather.

Trans Advocates Preparing to Listen to the Community’s Thoughts. // Photo by Joe Ellett

On top of the conversations surrounding the garden, Jenson opened up the floor to all transgender and non binary attendees to share personal projects that they are working on, different ways that others can get involved, and what they hope to see in the future.

“We should be taking the lead from the trans community on what they need, because they know what they need,” Duncan says. “And then it’s our responsibility after that to do everything in our power to implement those needs into solutions.”

While the trans leaders and public figures were excited to share the beginning of a plot of land that signifies hope, dreams, and resistance, the problematic weather had other intentions. Fortunately, leaders of All Souls Unitarian Church were willing to open their doors on such a historic day for trans individuals across the city.

Looking forward, the trans individuals and advocates across the city and state will hold steady and make their voices heard as they fight for equal rights and opportunities.

“Kansas City is firmly standing up to Jefferson City, our state capital, for the, what seems like, daily onslaught of political violence being slewn at our trans community members.,” Duncan says. “As the mayor stated, our responsibility as community leaders here in Kansas City is to make sure that everyone knows Kansas City is a welcoming place for all people.”

The event was sponsored and brought to the public by the City of Kansas City, Transformations, and PFLAG Kansas City.