The Transgender Day of Remembrance is hosted annually on Nov. 20, in order to remember the victims who were murdered because of hate and transphobia. (Submitted)

Cowichan Pride is hosting a ceremony to recognize the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20 at the Cowichan Community Centre’s Maple Room.

“The Transgender Day of Remembrance is hosted annually on Nov. 20, in order to remember the victims who were murdered because of hate and transphobia,” said Willa Atkinson, co-chair of the Pride Society’s board of directors.

Atkinson said it’s the first event of its kind to be held in the region as folks often go to events in Victoria.

“This’ll be an opportunity for people who haven’t gone to a Day of Remembrance ceremony to do so here,” Atkinson said.

To that end there’ll actually be two ceremonies to give people more than one chance to fit it into their day.

“We plan to do one at 4 p.m. hoping that people from the school or those who can make it earlier in the day,” Atkinson explained. “Then we’re doing a ceremony at 6 p.m. too for those who might work a little later.”

In between the two ceremonies, from 5 to 6 p.m., there’ll be a social hour.

“It’s because the Cowichan Pride board of directors just incorporated into a society over the summer and this is one of our first events we’re putting on,” Atkinson said. “It’ll be for LGBTQ and allies to meet and socialize in our safe space because we don’t have anything like that right now.”

The ceremony will take place in the Maple Room.

“It’s not a celebration, it’s more of a somber ceremony, so people aren’t wearing their pride stuff,” Atkinson said. “After the ceremony indoors we’ll go downstairs and light a candle and do a vigil and have a moment of silence under the Big Stick.”

Cowichan’s famous hockey stick will be lit in the colours of the transgender flag at 4:30 p.m.

Those with a candle are encouraged to bring them for the outdoor vigil.

All are invited.

“It’s open to the public, Atkinson said.