Tuesday was the Trans Day of Remembrance in Amherst. Since I missed the one in Springfield (stupid headaches!) I was determined to make this one.
The march was bitterly cold, but it felt good to be outside. People were genuinely curious about what our vigil was for and were respectful when we told them or gave them flyers about the TDOR. While we walked, Kat and I noted that we've spent a good portion of our time together marching at night with candles in our hand. We joked that if we ever had a kid, they might recall that they spent a lot of their childhood marching in vigils or protests. It wasn't necessarily an unpleasant thought.
Back at the Unitarian meeting house, the service/meeting commenced. One of the speakers from Boston wasn't able to make it, so the emcee asked if I'd step in and say a few words. I didn't say much, but it was nice that he asked. People shared a lot of wonderful sentiments and powerful poetry and I was very happy to see 3 of "my" youth there. I was also happy to see more family members and other allies present.
I hope that someday there is no need for such a gathering.
