From: Abby Smith
Columbus
In 2016, advocates tracked 23 deaths of transgender people in the United States due to violence. This had been the most ever recorded. Sad to say, in 2017 we have already seen at least 23 transgender people fatally shot or killed by other violent means.
In addition to transgender people who die at the hands of another, too high a proportion of transgender people commit suicide due to the challenges life places before them.
These are tragic ends to vibrant lives that are missed by their families and their local communities.
On Saturday at 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church will be hosting the annual Columbus Transgender Day of Remembrance Service. A number of faith and community groups have collaborated on this service. Everyone from across the city is welcome to join us. We will honor transgender people from around the world who have lost their lives in the last year.
In addition to the service, First Presbyterian Church will continue to provide a welcoming and inclusive faith community for all LGBTQ+ people.
