(Community Recognition Statement, 12 November 2019, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney Electorate I want to acknowledge the Transgender Day of Remembrance. 2019 is the 20 year anniversary of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which began to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in the United States. Today, all around the world, people pause to remember the trans and gender diverse people who have lost their lives to violence and those who have taken their own lives because of stigma, discrimination, isolation and exclusion. The data shows that on average a trans person is murdered every three days somewhere in the world, with more unreported or hidden. This day reminds us of the ongoing need to prevent violence and discrimination against trans and gender diverse people. Today I also acknowledge the resilience, hope and strength of the transgender community and allies who work with them to build a strong supportive community and hope for the future. I thank The Gender Centre and the Inner City Legal Centre for hosting a commemoration service at Harmony Park, and will continue to work for every person to be treated equally and fairly with dignity and respect.