Trans Day of Remembrance

Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance that honours and remembers the lives of transgender individuals who have tragically been lost to acts of anti-transgender violence and prejudice. The Day aims to raise awareness about the disproportionately high rates of violence faced by the transgender community and to promote solidarity amongst individuals and organisations in working towards a safer, more inclusive society for transgender and gender-variant individuals. TDOR also presents an opportunity for communities to come together, reflect on these losses and recognise the resilience of those who have faced discrimination based on their gender identity.

The Trans Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, in response to the murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman in the United States. Over the years, the observance has gained international recognition and has evolved to encompass the unique issues and concerns faced by different countries. In the United Kingdom, various organisations such as Stonewall and Gendered Intelligence play an essential role in supporting and advocating for the rights of transgender people, as well as eradicating hate crimes and improving overall quality of life for the community.

To mark Trans Day of Remembrance in the United Kingdom, individuals, communities and organisations organise and participate in memorial services, educational events, and vigils to remember those who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence and call for change. Online campaigns and social media are also utilised to extend the reach and impact of the observance. TDOR is commemorated internationally on November 20th and the impact of the events extends across borders to bring attention to the struggles faced by transgender people both in the UK and worldwide.