MEMBERS of the LGBT community are getting ready to remember the lives of those killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.

The International Transgender Day of Remembrance will see groups around the world gather to honour their friends and family members whose lives have been lost.

A list of names is read out of those killed while candles are lit and homage paid to the dead.

Students from Southampton University will be holding an vigil open to all at city centre cafe the Art House on Above Bar with any donations made going to Warsash-based trans charity Chrysalis.

Chrysalis CEO Andi said: “Transgender day of remembrance is a time to remind ourselves of those who have been murdered for simply trying to be themselves; whose lives have been cruelly cut short.

“Many of them don’t even leave a name to be remembered by.

“Reading the list of the 294 trans individuals worldwide who were shot; stabbed multiple times; run over by a vehicle; beaten and stabbed; drowned and more I have to stop my count and return to the list more than once to read each name, to give each person that moment of recognition and remembrance.

“The world is a very dangerous place for those whose only hope of survival is to try to be true to who they are.

“Violence against trans people is real.We give voice to those who have been permanently silenced so that we don’t forget but also to encourage all those allies out there to continue in their support for Trans people.

“It is fantastic to watch our communities come together for events like Southampton and Portsmouth Pride, to feel accepted and welcomed as part of a community, to find our list of allies growing.

“It helps me keep faith that the world is becoming a better place”.

A spokesperson for the ITDR said: “The ITDR serves several purposes. “It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, it publicly mourns and honours the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten.

“Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. “Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers and gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence”.

The November 20 event is open to all and takes place at Art House on Above Bar from 6.30pm.