Cleveland's Transgender Day of Remembrance Memorial, Candlelight Walk is Tonight

Raising the public's awareness of anti-transgender hate crimes, the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance is back nationwide this month. Cleveland's own inclusive event kicks off tonight, put on by the Margie's Hope organization.

As we've reported earlier this year, Cleveland is sadly home to a significant percentage of transgender homicides, making tonight's assembly all the more meaningful. The public is invited to show support for the trans community by meeting at the AIDS TaskForce (2829 Euclid Ave.) by 5:45 p.m. for a walking candlelight vigil toward Trinity Cathedral (2230 Euclid Ave.).

Once there, a memorial program is scheduled, followed by the handing out of the Illumination Awards. As expressed in a Margie's Hope press release, the awards are given to "an organization or individual who has helped to light the way to increased acceptance of the transgender and non-binary community."

This year's Illumination Award winners are as follows:
Best Supporting Organization: MetroHealth Hospital System
Cisgender Ally Award: Bella Sin
Outstanding Student Award: Jackson Stutler - Canton South High School
Leadership Award: Darius Stubbs
Civic Leader Award: County Executive Armond Budish

An after event is scheduled at Luxe at 6605 Detroit Ave.

Find out more about tonight's event right here.