By Danielle Palmer
Transgender Day of Remembrance is on November 20, 2024. It is an annual tradition that began in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith. It is a vigil to honour the memory of transgender people lost to anti-transgender violence, started after the murder of Rita Hester, a black, transgender woman murdered in 1998.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”
– Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith
(https://www.huffpost.com/entry/transgender-day-of-remembrance-why-we-remember_b_2166234)
With rising anti-trans hate and increasing anti-trans legislation being introduced, it’s important to show up for our 2SLBTQ+ family, friends, fellow workers and community members.
Please take the time to find and attend a Transgender Day of Remembrance in your community on November 20. Your solidarity and support is needed.
You Can Also Honour Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) by:
- Showing Up to Events: Go to local TDOR gatherings, candlelight vigils, and memorials. It’s a way to stand with the transgender community, remember those we’ve lost, and show up in solidarity. Go to your local Pride events year round!
- Sharing Trans Stories: Whether it’s a personal story or one that moved you, share experiences that shed light on the struggles transgender folks face and why acceptance really matters.
- Support Transgender Organizations: If you’re able, contribute to groups providing vital services like healthcare, mental health support, and advocacy for trans rights. Every bit helps.
- Speak Up for Change: Advocate for policies that protect transgender people from discrimination and promote safety and inclusion.
- Lift Up Trans Voices: Use your social media or any platform to amplify the voices of transgender advocates and activists. Sharing their work and insights can really make an impact.
- Learn and Educate: Keep learning about transgender issues, terms, and how we can respect and support people’s gender identities—and encourage others to do the same.
Danielle Palmer is the UNE’s National Equity Representative for 2SLGBTQ+ People