Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick paid tribute to those who have lost their lives through transphobia at a candlelit vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance.
The event, organised by Highland Pride, was held on Sunday evening [20th November] at the Circle of Wise on the Ness Islands in Inverness.
Ms Roddick gave a speech highlighting the changes that must be made to prevent further lives from being lost at the hands of transphobic abuse.
She then read aloud 77 of the 379 names of transgender people known to have died by suicide or violence over the last year.
Commenting on the vigil, Ms Roddick said:
“I was honoured to be asked to be part of Highland Pride’s remembrance vigil.
“Whilst it was very tough, it is so important that we speak about why, as a society, we are still allowing these tragedies to occur and how we can do better.
“It is absolutely shameful that anyone is made to feel that their life is not worth living because of who they are in this day and age.
“As part of the LGBTQI+ community, I hold these issues very close to my heart.
“We must continue to make progress and improve how we treat trans and LGBTQI+ people in Scotland and across the rest of the world.
“Thank you to Highland Pride for organising this incredibly important event.
“It was very moving to see so many turn out to remember all those who were taken too soon.”
