Transgender Day of Remembrance

Every year on November 20, communities around the world observe the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a solemn day honoring the memory of transgender and gender-diverse people who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. This observance encourages reflection, mourning, and solidarity, while also drawing attention to ongoing discrimination and the need for safety, dignity and respect for all transgender individuals.

History of Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was founded in 1999 by activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered in Massachusetts in 1998. The violence surrounding her death, and the lack of public attention it received, prompted a movement to remember those whose lives were taken due to anti-transgender hate. The first TDOR involved a candlelight vigil and the reading of names, setting a pattern many communities still follow today. ¹

Over time, TDOR has grown into an international observance marked in cities across the world. Advocacy groups, LGBTQ+ centers, faith communities, and individuals gather annually to read names of victims, share stories, highlight the ongoing risks transgender people face and call for systemic change. The day has become a central moment of reflection within the broader Transgender Awareness Week.

Why is Transgender Day of Remembrance important?

TDOR is important because it brings visibility to lives often overlooked and honors individuals whose deaths are tied to prejudice, stigma and violence. It reminds communities and institutions of the urgent need to protect transgender people, improve laws and policies, and foster environments where everyone can live safely and authentically.
It also serves as a moment of collective grief and solidarity. Families, friends, allies and community members come together not only to mourn, but also to commit to building a more compassionate society. TDOR’s message underscores that remembering the lost must inspire action for the living.

• It honors transgender individuals who lost their lives due to violence.
• It draws attention to the ongoing challenges and dangers transgender people face.
• It encourages advocacy for stronger protections and equal rights.
• It inspires education, reflection and commitment to creating safer communities.
• It fosters community solidarity and support for transgender people and their families.

How to Observe Transgender Day of Remembrance

Observe TDOR by participating in or supporting local memorials, vigils or community gatherings dedicated to honoring transgender people who have died. These events often include candlelight ceremonies, reading of names, moments of silence, shared stories and reflections. Even small community or virtual gatherings can create meaningful space for remembrance.
Individuals can also observe the day privately—lighting a candle, learning about the lives of those remembered, or engaging in conversations that promote understanding and empathy. Advocacy actions, such as supporting transgender-led organizations or sharing educational resources, help extend the meaning of the day beyond remembrance into real-world impact.

• Attend or support a local vigil or memorial ceremony.
• Light a candle at home in honor of transgender people lost to violence.
• Support transgender-led organizations or community projects.
• Share educational resources to raise awareness about TDOR and transgender rights.
• Engage in conversations that promote understanding, respect and safety for transgender people.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Dates Table

1. https://glaad.org/tdor/[↩]