Transgender Day of Remembrance
The LGBTQ+ Ministry Team as part of The Church of the Palms of Sun City, AZ commits to an annual Transgender Day of Remembrance to memorialize the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, hatred or prejudice during the last calendar year. Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender, each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people. The ‘Remembrance Day’ provides a safe public space for naming transgender victims and offering support for their family and friends.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance will be held this year on November 9, 2024. We are pleased to announce that our opening speaker will be Elgie Gonzales, her topic “Othering and Belonging.” We will then read the names of the people who have experienced a confirmed violent death in the last year.
This year we have a panel of several representatives from the transgender community and Mama Dragons to encourage attendees to ask questions to gain understanding and additional knowledge. The panel will be moderated by Elgie Gonzalez.
Speaker Elgie Gonzalez is a 43-year-old Guatemalan transwoman and caseworker for Crossroads Inc. “Changing lives one person at a time.” She is dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives. Passionate about advocating for trans representation in spaces where it is often lacking, she strives to create inclusive environments for marginalized communities.
Elgie is pursuing a BA in behavioral science and plans to become a drug counselor. She is committed to addressing the resource gaps for trans individuals experiencing addiction and ensuring they have access to the support they need. Her primary focus is to address the resource gaps that trans individuals face when dealing with addiction and ensure they have access to comprehensive support systems that they may need in recovery and in their personal journey of transition,
She is a co-host of the podcast “Trans Experience” which helps people see that the trans experience is, at its core, a human experience. Her mission through this platform is to foster understanding and empathy among listeners.
Panel Members include Elgie Gonzales, Maddison Phillips, Deb Bontadelli, and Lindsey Montague.
Maddison Phillips is a 40-year-old transwoman. She is an Area Manager for Amazon in Goodyear, AZ. She specializes in leadership training and people development.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a certificate in Human Resource Management. In the summer of 2025, she will complete her MBA in business management.
Maddison began her transition four years ago and is passionate about bridging the gaps in understanding the trans experience. She believes in the power of open dialogue and education, encouraging others to ask questions to foster mutual understanding and empathy. Maddison is a co-host of the podcast “Trans Experience” and is dedicated to helping the world see that the trans experience is a human experience.
Deb Bontadelli
Lindsey Montague