November 20th is Transgender Day Of Remembrance, which is a time dedicated to honoring the transgender lives lost to acts of anti-transgender violence.
“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, who first started a candlelight vigil on this day to honor Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998.
It has since become a tradition that gives a voice to the millions of people who have been silenced. It is meant to be a day of remembrance as well as an opportunity to share the contributions of transgender people in our communities. This can help to humanize people and hopefully lead to more understanding of those
By coming together as a community, we can work towards ending the violence and discrimination that surrounds the lives of many transgender individuals.
You can get involved in the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Candlelight vigils are a common way to mark the day, but you can also attend events such as marches, art exhibits, or panel discussions with local advocates. Connect with local LGBTQ organizations for a listing of events being held in your community.
- Q Center (PDX)
- PFlag (Chapters throughout Oregon)
- Basic Rights Oregon (PDX)
- Transponder (Eugene)
We can continue to raise awareness for those who have been subjected to hate crimes by showing support as an ally. Speaking out against hate is an important first step.
You can learn more by reading stories created by transgender people, watching documentaries, or reaching out to someone you know. Click the link below for resources:
Transgender Day Of Remembrance
National Center For Transgender Equality