Gratitude to Those Who Have Paid the Ultimate Price
Although November can be a very reflective time for many of us, in my experience, it is often a busy, rushed, and hectic month. We have to prepare for the holidays, get ready for year-end financial realities, or perhaps prepare for the end of a semester of school. These obligations must be observed, but let me offer a word of advice: take time to reflect on those who have gone before us. This month offers (at least) two such opportunities: Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 17, and World AIDS Day on December 1.
Taking the time to observe and pay homage to the fallen does not need to be a depressing endeavor. In fact, it has the potential to be one of the most uplifting activities possible. In commemorating the departed, we have the potential to lift up the spirit of who they were and, thus, lift up our own communal spirits as well.
I attended my first Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) last year, and I found it to be a stark reminder of how far the trans community has to go to gain acceptance. Sadly, too many transpersons, many of them teenagers or young adults, have lost their lives due to bullying or brutal attacks by others. Oftentimes, transgender persons also feel the sting of invisibility and a sense that others do not care about their plight. I encourage you to attend the TDOR service on November 17 at Metropolitan Community Church (611 E. Myrtle) at 6:40 p.m. You do not have to be religious to attend.
Also, on December 1, please consider attending the Interfaith Service of Remembrance and Hope, hosted by the San Antonio World AIDS Day Collaborative. Over 10 faiths will be represented and over 25 organizations. As with TDOR, you do not have to be religious to gain something positive from this event, which will include information sharing, a service of remembrance and hope, and a candlelight vigil. The service is on December 1 at the Tripoint Center on 3233 N. St. Mary's St. from 6:00–8:30pm.
Finally, on Thanksgiving Day, take a moment to give thanks—both for the positive things in your lives and even for the negative. My hope is that each one of you has many positive things to celebrate, but it's through the negative trials that we face, that we become stronger and gain the ability to appreciate all the good things.
Thank you, San Antonio,
Richard Farias
editor@igniteisonline.com
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