About Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance, or TDoR, is an annual observance held on November 20. It's a day dedicated to honoring the memory of transgender people who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence and bigotry.
What began as a local vigil has grown into an international day of mourning and a powerful statement of resilience, drawing attention to the ongoing violence faced by the transgender community and its allies.
The History of a Movement
The first Transgender Day of Remembrance was held in 1999, organized by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith. The event was a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was murdered in Allston, Massachusetts, in 1998.
The vigil also served to remember Chanelle Pickett, who was killed three years prior. Smith's goal was to ensure that those lost to violence would not be forgotten.
The event has since grown into a global observance, with vigils and events taking place in cities all over the world.
How to Participate
TDoR is a day for communities to come together in solidarity and remembrance. There are many ways to get involved and show your support:
Attend a local vigil. Many vigils feature a reading of the names of transgender people who have been killed in the past year, which can be a deeply moving and impactful experience.
Educate yourself and others about the violence and discrimination faced by the transgender community.
Support transgender and LGBTQ+ organizations that work to protect and advocate for transgender people.
Stand in solidarity with transgender people in your community and let them know they are seen and valued.
Did you know? Transgender Day of Remembrance is held during Transgender Awareness Week, which takes place from November 13 to November 19. This week is dedicated to raising visibility and understanding of transgender people and their experiences.
While Transgender Day of Remembrance is a somber day of grief and reflection, it's also a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for a world where every person can live safely and authentically.
It's a call to action for all of us to work toward a future free from violence and hatred.
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