Trans Day of Remembrance: Honouring Lives, Creating Hope
Today (20th November) marks Trans Day of Remembrance, an occasion we still (tragically) need to mark in the calendar in order to honour the memory of transgender and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to anti-trans violence. Advocates led by Gwendolyn Ann Smith organised the first TDOR November 1999 to commemorate the life of Rita Hester, a trans woman who was killed in 1998. Since then, TDOR has grown into a global movement that unites countries, communities, and individuals in saying the names of those who are no longer with us.
At SupportU, we know that TDOR is a deeply significant and still sadly relevant day for many of the people we work with and support. Though the LGBTQIA+ movement has taken some great steps forward since 1998, the truth today is that far too many trans people still face discrimination, rejection and life-threatening violence simply for living as themselves.
Despite this, the trans community remains vibrant, creative and courageous, and TDOR is an opportunity to celebrate that strength as well as expressing anger, grief and loss.
This year TDOR feels especially vital, with trans people and their lives - but not necessarily their voices - firmly in the media spotlight. We see first-hand through our services how damaging these narratives can be and we really want to encourage all trans people to seek support when they need it.
Our goal is to help create safe spaces for every individual, tell stories that highlight the value and courage of the trans community, and create greater equality and acceptance through education.
Remembrance is not only about grief, but also about resilience, visibility, and ongoing commitment to positive change. It matters because history matters, and the individuals we acknowledge on TDOR are not statistics: they were people with futures, relationships, and hopes.
Our Commitment to the Trans Community
SupportU is a proud supporter of the trans community. Our support is here for trans adults, young people, parents, friends, and allies. Whether someone is taking their first steps in exploring their gender identity or has known themselves clearly for years, we welcome them with unconditional acceptance.
As we mark Trans Day of Remembrance this year, we will remember those we’ve lost, and we both support and celebrate those who are here. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out.
Practical Ways to Remember and Support
TDOR can be recognised in many ways - alone, in silence, in company, or simply in thought. If you would like to join a wider community in remembrance, today from 6pm to 7pm advocates for Trans Equality are inviting trans people, their loved ones, and their allies to gather virtually and reflect at this important moment for our community. If you would like to join them, you can register for the virtual ceremony here: Give Them Their Flowers: A Trans Community Gathering
Education and understanding are the keys to ending discrimination in the future: the Human Rights Campaign’s Violence Against the Transgender Community and the National Centre for Transgender Equality’s Discrimination Survey are both excellent resources to better understand the challenges faced by the trans community. You can also learn more about transgender people on GLAAD’s resource page.