Full Breakdown
Vallejo Commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance
11/28/2025, 4:07:39 PM
Honoring Lives Lost
On November 22, 2023, the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum hosted a vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance, where Jeriann Guzman of the Solano Serenity Center reported that 62 transgender individuals died by suicide or homicide in the U.S. this year, including 11 teenagers. The event featured an ofrenda adorned with marigolds, candles, and hundreds of photographs representing over 400 transgender lives lost since 2012. Guzman, who has organized the vigil annually since 2012, emphasized the challenges in accurately counting these individuals due to misgendering and deadnaming in obituaries.
Historical Context of TDoR
Transgender Day of Remembrance was established in 1999 following the murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman. Activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith initiated the "Remembering Our Dead" project to honor victims of anti-trans violence, which has evolved into the nationwide observance seen today.
Local Support and Advocacy
Guzman founded the Solano Serenity Center 13 years ago to provide resources and advocacy for the transgender community. Despite a limited budget of $4,500, Guzman noted an increase in demand for support, particularly during the Trump Administration, citing challenges in accessing gender-affirming care and the elimination of tracking anti-trans hate crimes. Guzman criticized the politicization of gender-affirming care, clarifying that it encompasses treatments routinely provided to cisgender patients.
Criticism of Political Leadership
During the vigil, attendees expressed concerns regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent decisions on transgender issues, including his support for sports bans and vetoing a bill on hormone therapy coverage. In contrast, Bob Davis, who runs the Louise Lawrence Transgender Archive, praised New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for publicly honoring trans activists, suggesting a hopeful shift in political engagement.
Need for Local Services
Speakers highlighted the lack of adequate transgender health care services in Solano County, with many individuals forced to seek care in distant cities. Guzman shared her personal experiences with homelessness, illustrating the hidden struggles faced by transgender individuals in the community. The Trevor Project reported that nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth experience homelessness, with transgender individuals disproportionately affected.
Community and Resilience
Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce attended the vigil, affirming her commitment to supporting the transgender community. She issued a proclamation recognizing November 22 as Transgender Day of Remembrance. The event concluded with a message from Cicada Robison, a former Solano Serenity Center member now in Germany, who reflected on the importance of celebrating queer identities amidst ongoing challenges.
Celebrating Life Amidst Loss
Guzman emphasized that the vigil serves not only as a remembrance of lives lost but also as a celebration of resilience against societal oppression. "Our celebration of who we are is resistance," she stated, as attendees shared cake and warm drinks, fostering a sense of community and hope for the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s kind of ghoulish, like being a funeral home director.” — Jeriann Guzman, Solano Serenity Center
- “You have to realize, when they use those buzzwords, you’re being baited,” — Jeriann Guzman, Solano Serenity Center
- “Let us hope this is a sign of what we will see in the next election and beyond.” — Bob Davis, Louise Lawrence Transgender Archive
- “I usually like to take this day to celebrate my queerness,” — Cicada Robison, Solano Serenity Center
The vigil in Vallejo reflects a broader struggle for recognition and support within the transgender community, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and remembrance.
