A candlelit vigil was held in Dorchester to remember people murdered through transphobic and anti-transgender violence across the globe. 

Members of the community came together to mark 'Transgender Day of Remembrance' which is observed annually on November 20 to memorialise those murdered as a result of transphobia and to raise awareness of violence endured by the transgender community.

Facilitated by the LGB&T Dorset Equality Network, the vigil commemorated the lives of approximately 335 trans-community members from around the world who have been murdered, often horrifically, in the past year.

Held at the town pump on Cornhill on Monday, the service was led by the Equality Network's chairperson, Canon John Hyde.

The network's lead officer, Alan Mercel-Sanca, said: "It was good to see local Dorchester community members, both LGB&T and non-LGB&T stop and observe the solemn and moving event, which is the first of its kind in Dorchester and will be repeated annually."

Mr Mercel-Sanca added the network was delighted Deputy Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Tim Harries attended and said a few words on behalf of Dorchester Town Council and the Dorchester community. 

"Words that both moved and heartened all attending," he said. 

Cllr Harries said: "As a tolerant and inclusive place which welcomes and celebrates diversity, the vigil is to be welcomed for the first time to Dorchester to remind local people of the needless suffering faced by transgender people around the world."

Local LGB&T community members attended alongside representatives from Space Youth Project, Dorset Police, West Dorset District Council and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue (DWFRS). 

DWFRS equality lead and Prejudice Free Dorset chairperson, Rex Webb said: “I was honoured to have attended the vigil in Dorchester on behalf of DWFRS to remember those who have lost their lives just for being who they are. As chair of Prejudice Free Dorset I am committed to working in partnership with our member organisations to challenge prejudice in Dorset so that all individuals can go about their daily lives safely and with confidence.”

The LGB&T Dorset Equality Network is partially funded by the Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner to raise awareness around prejudice, bullying and hate crimes.