Like many of you, my heart has been heavy in the wake of the U.S. elections. For my trans and queer siblings in the United States and around the world, the results have been a painful reminder of how easily our rights and safety can be threatened. At first, I felt stuck—angry, overwhelmed, and grieving for what this meant for the lives of so many vulnerable people.
In the days that followed, I found myself focused on planning Stratford-Perth Pride’s Trans Week of Awareness. It felt like the only way to move through the grief: to focus on community, to create spaces for joy, and to remind myself—and others—that there are still so many people out there wanting to do good.
Trans Week of Awareness is always a balancing act. On one hand, it’s a time to celebrate trans joy, excellence, and resilience. I saw the magic of our Open Closet event, where trans folks and their supportive allies came together in a space of affirmation and care. These moments are vital, especially in a world that so often focuses only on our struggles.
And yet, as the week shifted to Trans Day of Remembrance, I was reminded of the heavy weight we carry as a community. This year, we honoured the 335 trans and gender-diverse people who were reported murdered worldwide between October 2023 and September 2024. We know that number doesn’t tell the full story—it can’t possibly account for those lost to suicide, being unhoused, inadequate healthcare, or systemic neglect.
Closer to home, our little community has also felt the devastating loss trans youth to suicide over the years. Their stories weigh heavily on my heart. They are a reminder of the urgent need for support, understanding, and systemic change. These losses are not just tragedies for their families—they are stolen potential, lives that should have been filled with joy, purpose, and possibility.
The U.S. elections have been a sobering warning about how quickly progress can be undone. With Canada heading into an election next year, I can’t ignore the reality that many people who position themselves as allies, some who would say they are my friends, will likely vote for those who would harm the trans community, and so many other vulnerable groups—just as we’ve seen happen in the U.S. It’s a crushing blow to imagine, and yet it’s one we must confront.
It’s in this tension—between celebration and mourning, between hope and grief—that I find my strength. Last night, as we concluded Trans Day of Remembrance, I shared this call to action:
To the allies among us, your voices are needed now more than ever. Trans rights are under attack globally, and here in Canada too, we are not immune. Hate and misinformation are rising, often targeting our most vulnerable—our youth. We need you to stand up, to speak out, to counter the lies with truth and compassion. Vote with your values. Vote like our lives depend on it, because they do. Advocate for policies that protect trans people’s rights. Educate yourselves and those around you.
Our work is not easy, but it is necessary. Each of us has a role to play in building a world where trans people are not just surviving but thriving. A world where we don’t just remember those we’ve lost, but where we ensure fewer are lost in the future.
This is what gets me out of bed when the grief feels too heavy. This is why I keep showing up, even when it hurts. Because I’ve seen the good that can come from community. I’ve seen the joy and resilience of trans and marginalized people who refuse to let the world define their worth. And I’ve seen the power of allies who use their voices and votes to create real change.
So, to anyone feeling the weight of the world today, know this: You are not alone. There is light in the darkness, and together, we can carry it forward.
Let’s keep fighting. Let’s keep celebrating. Let’s keep showing up—for ourselves, for each other, and for the future we all deserve.
Melissa
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