Today, we honor the transgender lives lost to violence. We stand with the transgender community on Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) — recognizing the harm caused by discrimination while affirming our commitment to supporting, uplifting, and protecting transgender people everywhere.
The Significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance
On November 20th, communities around the world remember those we’ve lost. TDoR is more than a memorial; it’s a call to reflection, action, and solidarity. It reminds us of the challenges transgender people continue to face, and the importance of showing up — with empathy, with advocacy, and with love.
A Day of Collective Mourning and Solidarity
TDoR brings us together in shared mourning. Through vigils, ceremonies, and moments of remembrance, we honor every life stolen by violence. These gatherings strengthen our resolve to stand against discrimination and to work toward safety, dignity, and equality for all transgender people.
Why Remembrance Matters
Remembering ensures that these lives, and the systems that failed them, aren’t forgotten. TDoR keeps the conversation going — highlighting the ongoing need for understanding, acceptance, and meaningful protections. It underscores how essential our collective efforts are in building a safer, more inclusive world.
The History and Origins of TDoR
TDoR began in 1999, created by activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman murdered the year before. What started as a single vigil has grown into a global movement — a cornerstone of Transgender Awareness Week and a deeply important day of reflection for the transgender community.
Understanding Anti-Transgender Violence
Violence against transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, remains a serious and urgent issue. These acts of violence don’t happen in isolation — they stem from systemic discrimination, economic inequity, and a lack of protections. Accurate reporting, community support, and policy change are all essential in addressing this crisis.
Honoring Lives Through Action and Remembrance
We remember through vigils, storytelling, and digital memorials that give space to names, faces, and lives that deserve to be seen and honored. Storytelling, especially, connects us — transforming statistics into humanity and inspiring change.
Progress and the Path Forward
There has been real progress — increasing visibility, stronger protections in many places, and growing public awareness. Yet barriers remain, from safety concerns to inequities in healthcare, employment, and housing. TDoR reminds us not only of what has been lost, but of the responsibility we share to build a future where transgender people can live openly, safely, and authentically.
Carrying the Message Forward
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the lives taken by violence and reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality. This day asks us to remember — but also to keep going, keep caring, and keep fighting for a world where everyone is free to live as themselves.
Together, we can create a future shaped by compassion, understanding, and unwavering support.
