Windsor Essex Trans Support is opening up the doors to its new space on Wednesday as part of the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
The day is marked worldwide to remember the lives of transgendered individuals who lost their lives through violence.
"You don't see as much of it happening in Canada, most of our violence is systemic and is about not creating services that trans people need," said Executive Director Jayce Carver.
She said though the violence does not often come too close to home it still affects the community.
"It feels real even though it's not always here. For me, when I read of another murder, it almost feels like one of my family members has been taken from me," said Carver.
W.E. Transgender and Allied Support have been settling into their new bigger space at 1435 Tecumseh Rd. E since the beginning of October. The new space offers expanded health services, addictions counselling and more room for support services.
"When you walk into the space it's just so grand. It's what our community deserves, it's exactly what they deserve. When they come in, they feel that it's more than home but they can also trust that we can do the professional services piece," said Carver.
Carver said they would like to have a primary care physician or nurse practitioner on-site to provide services to the people they serve.
The new office also houses space for the Pro-Bono Students Canada who offers a legal clinic for name changes.
Tours of the new office will be provided between 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday prior to the vigil. All members of the Windsor-Essex community are invited to come for a tour and stay for the vigil.
