What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20 in countries around the world. The day honors transgender individuals who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. It is a time for remembrance, raising awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by the transgender community, and calling for action to ensure safety and equality.

History and origin

Transgender Day of Remembrance was established in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to commemorate Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered in 1998 in Boston, Massachusetts. The lack of media coverage and continued misgendering of transgender victims led Smith to organize a vigil in her memory. What began as a local event grew into a global observance, with communities worldwide gathering annually to remember transgender lives lost to violence.

Since its inception, the day has become an essential part of transgender advocacy and human rights efforts, shedding light on the ongoing dangers many transgender individuals face. Reports show that transgender people, particularly Black transgender women and transgender people of color, are disproportionately affected by violence. The day not only remembers those lost but also pushes for greater protection, legal rights, and social acceptance.

Who observes Transgender Day of Remembrance?

• transgender individuals and allies who gather to honor those lost to violence
• LGBTQ+ organizations that organize vigils, advocacy campaigns, and awareness events
• human rights activists who use the day to highlight legal and social issues affecting transgender people
• community centers and support groups that provide spaces for mourning and solidarity
• educational institutions that host discussions on transgender rights and safety

Slogans and themes

Transgender Day of Remembrance focuses on remembrance, awareness, and justice. The observance highlights the urgent need to protect transgender individuals from violence and discrimination. Common slogans include “say their names,” “honor, remember, resist,” and “protect trans lives.” These messages emphasize the need to remember those who have been killed while continuing the fight for equal rights and safety.

Colors, symbols, and patterns

Colors

• light blue, pink, and white, representing the transgender flag
• black, symbolizing mourning and remembrance
• purple, representing spirit, resilience, and justice

Symbols

• a candle, representing remembrance and honoring lost lives
• the transgender flag, symbolizing pride, identity, and visibility
• a list of names, representing those who have been lost to anti-transgender violence

Patterns

• minimalist designs emphasizing reflection and solemnity
• candlelight imagery, reinforcing the vigil tradition
• name walls or memorial lists to honor victims

Most used hashtags

• #transdayofremembrance
• #tdor
• #saytheirnames
• #protecttranslives
• #transrights

How to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance

• attend or organize a vigil in memory of transgender individuals lost to violence
• share the names and stories of victims to raise awareness
• support organizations that work toward transgender safety and legal protections
• educate others about the challenges faced by the transgender community
• advocate for policy changes that provide legal protection and resources for transgender individuals

Why is Transgender Day of Remembrance important?

Transgender Day of Remembrance is a solemn reminder of the violence, discrimination, and systemic barriers transgender individuals continue to face. While progress has been made in visibility and rights, many transgender people still experience disproportionate rates of violence, homelessness, and healthcare discrimination. The day calls for justice, remembrance, and action to ensure transgender individuals can live safely and authentically.

By honoring the lives lost, raising awareness, and pushing for change, Transgender Day of Remembrance helps drive the ongoing fight for equality, dignity, and respect for all transgender individuals.