It’s time to wear your allyship on both your heart and sleeve this November, or if you’re a part of Atlanta’s transgender community, celebrate and honor this special month dedicated to the projection of transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary voices. November 20 marks Transgender Day of Remembrance, with the entire month of November being Transgender Awareness Month.
The Atlanta Pride Committee recently shared some statistics in a press release, highlighting the essentiality of Transgender Awareness Month. There was an 93% increase in incidents of tracked transgender homicides from 2017 to 2021 (from 29 incidents in 2017 to 56 incidents in 2021). The majority of homicide victims in the trans community are Black trans women. On top of this, there have been more than 300 bills aimed at restricting the lives of trans people proposed so far this year.
Trans people and gender diverse communities need allyship and a platform more than ever, so here are five things you can do this month to honor Transgender Awareness Month.
1. Support these ATL trans & gender diverse charities!
From Atlanta Pride to Southern Fried Queer Pride, Georgia Equality and beyond, there’s an diverse range of charities to support this Transgender Awareness Month, and all-year-round! With our Pride Festival in October, Pride Month in June, and this month in November, ATL gleams with Pride and activism throughout the entire year and a great way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community is by volunteering or donating directly. Click here for a full round-up of LGBTQIA+ charities to support.
2. Check out this Prideful exhibit at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
There’s an exciting outdoor exhibition at Atlanta’s beloved National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Out Down South: Voices & Portraits of LGBTQ+ Atlanta explores some of the city’s most inspiring stories within the LGBTQIA+ communities. For more information, click here.
3. Check out Atlanta’s favorite drag bars
Trans people and drag culture have gone hand in hand throughout LGBTQ history. There are so many incredible queer and trans performers in ATL, including Kings, Queens, and everyone in between. Check out our recent round-up of drag bars in and around Atlanta. Don’t forget to stock up on bills, and tip those Kings, Queens, and legendary ATL performers!
4. Get ready for World AIDS Day at the High
For World AIDS Day, the High Museum of Art will be hosting an incredible audio-visual exhibition that delves into several lives of HIV+ artists from all over the world. Although World AIDS Day is on December 1, this exhibition is a great way to conclude Transgender Awareness Month as November turns into December. For more information, click here or the link below for more information.