#TDoR 2021

[regicide1997]

I shouldn't have been so afraid of my parents. Not because they reacted to me being queer better than expected—no, so far, everything's been about what I should've expected. No, I shouldn't have been afraid because living in fear of their reaction, of what they would do if I tried to live true to who I am, caused me so much more pain than I could have ever imagined. I would have come out years ago, even if it meant being disowned, had I known the pain. The emptiness. The grief.

I would have introduced myself to you, that afternoon in August 2021. You were sitting behind the front desk of the dorm building, and I had just moved in, a couple weeks early so I could both adjust to life in the city and prepare for the qualifying exam. I would have told you I wasn't really sure about my name, but if you can keep a secret, my friends call me Regicide. (Nowadays that's more a nickname to me, but it was all I had at the time.) I would have told you I loved your hair. I would have asked if you wanted to study physics together. I would have helped you pay for Wren's apartment. I would have given you your roses while you were still here. I would have asked how you manage to balance work, studies, and social commitments. Maybe you would've helped me pick a name that wouldn't raise as many eyebrows as "Regicide" would. I probably wouldn't be calling myself Hope nowadays, but even if I would be, I'd have stronger justification for it, because I would've been your friend. Kitty Lark, you little bird that kept so many warm, I would have been your friend.

Had I not been so afraid.

I don't want to be afraid anymore. I choose to live, despite all the pain. I choose to live, in memory of you, and in regret of what should have been but now can never be. I choose to live, for everyone you left behind. I choose to live, because every day is TDOR. Every day, I remember the dead. Every day, I fight like hell for the living. And every day, I choose to live.

[foamingatthemeowth]

On TDOR…

tw// suicide mention

Hi everyone! For those of y’all who may not know, I’m meowth and I’m genderfluid!

I first started questioning my gender in late 2020 after listening to mother mother for the first time funnily enough. And shortly after, I recognized myself as nonbinary in 2021 after imagining myself in a certain cosplay. The universe has a sense of humor.

In both May and June of that year, I decided to come out to my parents separately because even though I knew they weren’t the most accepting, I thought it was my job to help shape them into better allies.

So I did. And as a Black person who grew up in the church. In the south. You can imagine how it went.

Truthfully, when looking back on it, their words don’t hurt nearly as much, but back then, it was just devastating.

Suddenly, the house I’d grown up in felt suffocating and I slowly felt my suicidal thoughts mounting. Waiting until I’d gotten to the point of taking my own life.

And trust me, I got really fucking close.

Even now, when talking about it with my therapist, I don’t know why I chose to keep living, only that I did.

And as such, I’ve gotten to witness my home state governor slowly go more mask off with his transphobia and watched my community’s rights slowly be wittled away under the guise of “protecting the children”

But likewise, I’ve gotten to see so many things that I wouldn’t have if I’d decided my life wasn’t worth continuing

I’ve had my first partner, who was nonbinary

I have my girlfriend who’s transfemme

I have so many genderfucky friends that I’ve shared laughs and deep conversations with

I’m in fucking college right now! I didn’t think I’d make it to 18, let alone past it!

And I’m so fucking grateful for all of it

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:

the world is awful to us right now, but hatred is temporary

this world is still worth fighting for and it deserves to have you in it

this world is still worth fighting for and it deserves to have you in it

I love myself and I love all of the wonderful trans people who come across this post because I see myself in you

If nothing else I’m staying alive because I want a world that the siblings we’ve lost didn’t get to experience

I want a world that the generations after us can grow up in safely

And if no one has told you today, you are absolutely radiant and you have precious infinite worth

And I love you

You simply being alive is enough to ruin the days of the people who want us gone

Our community has lived through worse and we will live through the coming times

We owe it to those who came before us

Remember to take care of yourselves, however that looks like for you

Stay safe, stay informed, honor those we’ve lost, and know that the world is better with you in it

Happy Trans Day of Remembrance

💙💗🤍💗💙

[broken-cass-kimbrel]

The murder of trans people has served as an impetus to the establishment of the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR).[1][2]

In 2019, the American Medical Association called the violence against trans people an "epidemic".[3][4][5]

In 2020, ABC News "independently confirmed 34 violent deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people in 2020 at the time of publication." This was published by Good Morning America.[6] According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 57 transgender and gender non-conforming people were killed in 2021, surpassing the total from 2020 of 44 people.[7]

2022 - Cherry Bush, a homeless 48-year-old trans woman, was shot to death in Los Angeles. Her alleged killer has been charged with a hate crime.[95]

2023 - Brianna Ghey was stabbed to death in Culcheth Linear Park on 11 February 2023. Transphobia was recognised as a secondary motive for the killing by one of the two killers

2020 – Alexa Luciano Ruiz was fatally shot in Puerto Rico on 24 February, after an incident in a local restroom.[84][85] Carmen Yulín Cruz called attention to her death before the 2020 Puerto Rico gubernatorial election. Ms. Luciano was killed while the assailant men laughed.[86]

2020 – Selena Reyes-Hernandez, 37, was fatally shot in Chicago, Illinois, on 31 May by a man she went home with, after telling him that she was transgender.[87]

2020 – Brayla Stone, 17, was murdered in Arkansas in June 2020 by a man seeking to conceal his sexual relationship with her. The killer pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.[88]

2020 – Valera (name is changed in the report), a 46-year-old man, a janitor, was killed on 10 February in Chelyabinsk, Russia, by his dorm roommates after they learned he was a transgender man.[89]

2021 – Ebeng Mayor, a trans man from Batasan Hills, Philippines, was found raped, mutilated, and killed on 20 May 2021, after being missing for three days.[90]

2022 – Briza Garces Florez, a 40-year-old Colombian trans sex worker from the Netherlands, was stabbed to death by her 32-year-old boyfriend of Greek descent in a hotel in Wassenaar.[91][92]

2022 – Doski Azad, a 23-year-old Kurdish transgender woman, was murdered by her brother for being transgender.[93]

2022 – Ariyanna Mitchell, a 17-year-old Black trans girl from Virginia, was shot and killed by 19-year-old Jimmy LeShawn Williams with an assault rifle, after he asked her if she was transgender, and she replied, "yes".[94]

[prideknights]

[itgetsbetterproject]

Today is #TransDayofRemembrance

We take this day to honor those from the trans community who lost their lives during the past year due to violence or self-harm, disproportionately affecting trans people of color. Take a moment to learn about the history of this day, see some organizations we can support to help lift each other up and stop this violence year-round, and find some of our resources you can share. We'll start with remembrance, then turn to resilience. 🏳️‍⚧️ PS: To honor and learn a little about those who passed in the U.S. this year, see: hrc.org/resources/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2021

[aprik0se]

11/20- hey, it’s TDOR, if you are able, please consider financially supporting my friend Charlotte. She is a trans woman with stage 4 stomach cancer and she has been homeless for most of this year. She has experienced extreme health issues and multiple instances of transphobic violence that have left her injured and traumatized. Between her physical injuries and cancer, she really can’t work most jobs, so she needs all the support she can get. Thanks- anything helps.

PayPal.me/ruby11a

[lgbt]

November 20, 2021. I remember the 47 lives lost so far this year in the United States (and hundreds more across the globe) to senseless violence. Say their names.

List below the cut for those triggered by violence or death.

Tyianna Alexander, who was also known as Davarea Alexander, was a 28-year-old Black trans woman. Tyianna was shot to death in Chicago on January 6. On social media, friends of Tyianna posted that she had “good energy” and had “a beautiful light,” with one friend saying “I loved everything about her.” Said another friend, “this lady was nothing but life, encouragement, motivation and fun.”

Samuel Edmund Damián Valentín, a transgender man, was killed on January 9 in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. Samuel was looking forward to starting a new year. On January 1, he posted on his Facebook, “a new year to come, grateful for all the experiences who [taught] me how strong we really are, to life, to good and bad, and for all justice that is forth to come.” He also spoke out against violence in Puerto Rico, expressing his hope for a Puerto Rico without killings.

Bianca “Muffin” Bankz, a Black transgender woman, was shot to death in Atlanta, Ga. on January 17. On Friday, January 29, Bianca’s friends and the Trans Housing Coalition (THC) held a vigil outside of her apartment to remember her. Said THC’s Founder and Co-Director Jesse Pratt López, “Muffin was just blossoming into herself.”

Dominique Jackson, a Black transgender woman, was shot to death in Jackson, Miss. on January 25. According to her Facebook, Dominique was the Mother of the Haus of Redd, and the Founder of The Ladi Redd Inc. Friends are remembering her on social media, with one saying “my heart is heavy,” and another sharing “I’m at a loss for words.”

Fifty Bandz, a 21-year-old Black transgender woman,was shot to death in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on January 28. Friends of Fifty Bandz and advocates said her name as they released balloons to remember her life. On Facebook, one friend shared, “When are we as a community going to do something?!”

Alexus Braxton, also known as Kimmy Icon Braxton, a 45-year-old Black trans woman, was killed on Feb. 4 in Miami. Braxton was a hairstylist and active on social media, posting regularly. One of her most recent posts said “they can’t stop my shine.” Family and friends held a balloon release to honor Alexus’s life on February 8 and have been remembering her on social media, with one saying “I’m beyond devastated.”

Chyna Carrillo, who also went by Chyna Cardenas, was killed in the morning hours of February 18, 2021, in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Not much is known at the time about Chyna’s personal life. One of her social media posts suggested she would have celebrated her 25th birthday just weeks before her death. “Chyna was very young and did not deserve to have her life cut short,” said HRC Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative Tori Cooper. okay

Siblings Jeffrey “JJ” Bright, a 16-year-old trans boy, and Jasmine Cannady, a 22-year-old non-binary person, both from Ambridge, Pennsylvania, were killed on February 22. Jeffrey was a student at Ambridge High School, while Jasmine worked at FedEx, according to their Facebook page. Both siblings were active in PRISM, a non-profit organization for the LGBTQ+ youth of Beaver County, Pa. “JJ is a part of our PRISM family,” PRISM shared on their Facebook. “JJ was a beautiful person with the biggest and brightest smile.” PRISM describes Jasmine as “a sweet, shy and artistic soul,” and according to the Transfamily of NWPA, Jasmine “loved to dance. They cared deeply for their friends.” On February 23, PRISM held a candlelight vigil in memory of Jasmine and Jeffrey.

Jenna Franks, a 34-year-old white transgender woman, was killed in Jacksonville, North Carolina in February. Jenna was a part of the Onslow County LGBTQ+ Community Center family. She was remembered on Facebook by friends and family as “sweet” and “a rock star.” Dennis Biancuzzo, Executive Director for the Onslow County LGBTQ+ Community Center, described Jenna as “a beautiful soul” and “a breath of fresh air.”

Diamond Kyree Sanders, a 23-year-old Black transgender woman, was shot to death in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 3. Diamond was described by a family member on social media as “beloved.” An obituary shared by her family describes many loving memories. “She valued her family and enjoyed spending time with them. As a child, she would say “I love my WHOLE family!,” the obituary states. In her adult life, Diamond was a traveler, known to be in New York City one week and New Orleans the following week, also according to her obituary.

Rayanna Pardo, a 26-year-old Latina trans woman, was killed on March 17 in Los Angeles. A former colleague of Rayanna’s from Starbucks shared that as co-workers, they had an “amazing time together.” According to The Advocate, the TransLatin@ Coalition and Rayanna’s friends and family held a candlelight vigil in her memory on March 20. “Rayanna was such a beautiful young person who just wanted to live her life and be herself,” said Trans Latin@ Coalition President Bamby Salcedo.

Jaida Peterson, a 29-year-old Black trans woman, was killed on April 4 in Charlotte, N.C. Jaida’s family and friends have been remembering her on social media, with her sister sharing, “you are going to be truly missed and once again we love you always.” Local advocates in Charlotte held a vigil on April 9 to remember her.

Dominique Lucious, a 26-year-old Black transgender woman, was shot and killed on April 8 in Springfield, Missouri. According to her Facebook account, Dominique was a fan of the TV show “Empire.” On social media, many of Dominique’s friends expressed their love for her and how much she will be missed. One friend shared “Many don’t get to live in their authentic truth. You were fierce, glam, and hunny gorgeous! I love you now, tomorrow and forever.”

Remy Fennell, a Black transgender woman in her 20s, was shot to death on April 15 in Charlotte, N.C. Remy's aunt said, “She was a vibrant young transgender woman who was just trying to make it & was doing it. She started her own business, graduated from cosmetology school…She has left her mark on the hair industry.”

Tiara Banks, a 24-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in Chicago, Illinois on April 21, 2021. According to a news report, Tiara was sitting alone in her Ford Fusion when the shooter approached the vehicle and shot Tiara multiple times. Tiara was pronounced dead at the scene. “At just 24 years old, Tiara had her whole entire life ahead of her and, instead, we are remembering her because of the ongoing fatal violence against transgender people," said HRC Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative Tori Cooper.

Natalia Smut, a 24-year-old Black and Puerto Rican transgender woman, was killed on April 23 in Milpitas, California. Natalia was a celebrated drag artist in the San Jose LGBTQ community with local community members describing her as a “motivating and creative spirit" with "captivating performances" and a "love for advocacy within the community.” Friends and community members organized a vigil for Natalia, with more than 100 people attending.

Iris Santos, a 22-year-old Latinx transgender woman, was killed in Houston, Texas on April 23, 2021. Iris was sitting at a picnic table enjoying a meal when an unidentified suspect approached and shot her. Iris was taken to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. “Iris was so young with so many things to look forward to,” said Tori Cooper, Human Rights campaign director of community engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. “Iris was simply minding her own business, sitting and eating when her life was abruptly cut short.”

Tiffany Thomas, a 38-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed on April 24 in Dallas, Texas. Tiffany is being remembered as someone who had a “big heart, who was “funny” and “stayed laughing,” and who was stylish.

Keri Washington, a 49-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed on May 1 in Clearwater, Florida. “Our community is yet again in mourning as a result of senseless acts of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people,” said Tori Cooper, HRC Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. “Keri was at least the fourth transgender woman killed in less than 10 days, each of them Black or Brown. We urge everyone to end the stigma against transgender people, and to destroy the roots of transphobia and racism that fuel this violence.”

Jahaira DeAlto, a 42-year-old transgender woman, was killed on May 2 in Boston, Mass. A well-known and beloved transgender advocate, advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and member of the ballroom community, Jahaira was a member of the House of Balenciaga and was a founder of Berkshire Transgender Day of Remembrance and Berkshire Pride Festival. She shared on Twitter, “I am the mother who raised the children whose rainbow sparkled too brightly and blinded their birth moms… I know what gratitude in the eyes of a young person who finally feels seen looks like. And for me, that’s enough.”

Whispering Wind Bear Spirit, a 41-year-old Indigenous non-binary person, was shot in York, Pennsylvania on May 3 and died early on May 4. They often shared photos of meaningful quotes on their Facebook. Friends and family are remembering them on Facebook, with one sharing “you are missed” and another remembering Whispering Wind as “a beautiful and kind soul.”

Sophie Vásquez, a 36-year-old Latina transgender woman, was shot and killed in Georgia on May 4. Sophie was a part of the EsTr (El / La) Community, or Community Estrella, a community that works to support transgender people in the Atlanta area. She is remembered as “the kindest person on the planet” and as someone who was “truly beautiful inside and out.”

Danika “Danny” Henson, who also went by Pryynce Daniel and Niia Da Don on Facebook, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman, was shot and killed in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 4. Henson also may have identified as genderfluid. According to family, Henson had just begun transitioning. One family member shared that Henson “always had a BIG heart… there was love behind everything!” On May 6, friends, family and the Baltimore Safe Haven hosted a candlelight and balloon release vigil to remember Henson.

Serenity Hollis, a 24-year-old Black transgender woman, was shot and killed in Albany, Georgia, on May 8. Her mother said that “the person that’s responsible has no idea what they took from us...I absolutely want to see that justice is served.”

Oliver “Ollie” Taylor, a 17-year-old white trans boy, died on May 19 after being kidnapped and shot on May 12 in Gervais, Oregon. He was a student at Gervais High School, where he was involved in the Gervais Future Farmers of America organization. The high school held a vigil to remember Oliver on May 20. Oliver is remembered as “an amazing child with a quirky sense of humor, who impacted so many people.”

Thomas Hardin, a 35-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed on May 2 in York, South Carolina. According to local news, friends have shared that Hardin “identified as a woman,” continued to use the name Thomas and used both he and she pronouns. Friends remembered Hardin as someone who “always kept you laughing.” A funeral service was held on May 12. Sadly, not much is currently known about Hardin’s life.

Poe Black, who also went by Oliver Jackson and Legion, was a 21-year-old transgender man who was killed in Niland, California in an area called Slab City, in early May. His body was found on May 11. Poe was originally from Nashville, Tennessee and often posted about disability rights and Black Lives Matter on social media. He was also an artist, with several online stores where he displayed and sold his art.

EJ Boykin, who also went by Novaa Watson, was killed in Lynchburg, Virginia on June 14. He had just recently celebrated his 23rd birthday on June 10 and was studying at Morgan State University. It appears EJ was also the parent of a young child. One of Boykin’s friends told HRC that “He was loved and like[d] by everyone. He was one of those people that was just good vibes and energy.”

Aidelen Evans, a 24-year-old Black transgender woman, was found dead in March in Port Arthur, Texas. Initially investigated as suspicious, as of July, her death is being investigated as a homicide. Aidelen was originally from Beaumont, Texas and had recently spent time in Port Arthur, Beaumont and Houston. “Nobody — no parent should have to go through this,” said Lois Balka, Aidelen’s grandmother, in March. “You will always be in my heart.” Sadly, not much is currently known about Aidelen’s life.

Taya Ashton, a 20-year-old Black trans woman, was killed in Suitland, Prince George’s County, Maryland on July 17. According to social media, friends and family held a vigil and balloon release to remember Taya. “Taya was just at the beginning of her life -- a life that she deserved to live to its fullest,” said Lindsey Clark, HRC Associate Director of the Transgender Justice Initiative. “Black transgender women continue to be killed in this country, and this violence is unacceptable.”

Shai Vanderpump, a 23-year-old Black trans woman, was killed in Trenton, New Jersey, on July 30. According to Garden State Equality, Shai was “a fierce LGBTQ advocate.” A GoFundMe remembered Shai as being known for her “style [and] love of family,” as someone who had a “heart of gold” and who “loved to dress, smile and see everyone happy and smiling.”

Tierramarie Lewis, a 36-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in Cleveland, Ohio on June 12. Due to misgendering and misnaming from local officials and a lack of media coverage, her death was not reported until recently. According to reporting from The Buckeye Flame, Tierramarie moved to Cleveland last year for a fresh start. One friend remembered Tierramarie as “a spirited girl… one day she would have purple hair, one day pink hair and always an outfit to go with those colors.”

Miss CoCo, a 44-year-old trans woman of color, was killed in Dallas, Texas on August 7, 2021. According to Nu Trans Movement, she was “a well-known small girl with a big, bubbly personality. CoCo was a happy person [and] proud to be living her truth!” Sadly, not much beyond this is publicly known about Miss CoCo’s life at this time.

Pooh Johnson, a 25- year-old Black trans woman, was killed in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 23, 2021. Johnson was an accomplished makeup artist under the name Titanizer. Sadly, not much beyond this is publicly known about Johnson’s life at this time.

Disaya Monaee, a 32-year-old Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Chicago, Illinois on September 6. “The epidemic of violence plaguing the transgender community, particularly Black transgender women, is appalling,” said Tori Cooper, HRC Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. “It is often the result of a toxic combination of transphobia, racism and misogyny.”

Briana Hamilton was a 25-year-old Black transgender woman who was fatally shot in Chicago, Illinois. On social media, Hamilton’s mother described her as Brianna as an “amazing person who touched so many people hearts with her presence and her memory will forever live on.”

Kiér Laprí Kartier, a 21-year-old Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Arlington, Texas on Sept. 30, 2021. Kartier was from Dallas, Texas and graduated from Skyline High School. Her friends remembered her on social media as a “very strong, independent person” who “always had my back through thick and thin.”

Mel Groves, a 25-year-old Black trans man, was fatally shot on Oct. 11, 2021 in Jackson, Miss. Groves was a plant soil scientist at Alcorn State University who loved agriculture and animals. Groves was also an active member of The Knights & Orchids Society, “a southern centered grassroots startup founded and led by black, queer, transgender, and gender non-conforming people supporting gender justice and LGBTQ visibility.”

Royal Poetical Starz, a 26-year-old Black trans woman, was fatally shot in Miami Gardens, Florida on Oct. 2, was a graduate of Florida Career College Vocational School. On social media, she was remembered as “the life of the party.”

Zoella “Zoey” Rose Martinez, a 20-year-old Latina trans woman, was fatally shot in Maple Valley, Washington back on Aug. 31, 2021. Her body was later found in Seattle. Initial reports did not recognize Zoey as transgender until her family confirmed her identity this month. In a statement to HRC, Martinez’s family shared that Zoey “Zoey mastered makeup that accentuated her loving and caring personality...Zoey had a beautiful spirit, she always had a smile and had only kind words to say about others. Zoey was a born leader and her peers acknowledged her as such.”

Jo Acker, a white 26-year-old transgender woman, was killed in Boise, Idaho on October 26, 2021. Acker was one of the victims of a tragic shooting at Boise Towne Square mall while working security. She had previously served in the U.S. Army as a forward observer. Her family said she ran toward the suspect to stop him, likely saving many lives. Her family also told the media that she was “a hero” and “the type of person that always wanted to help people.” They added that she “will be greatly missed.”

Jessi Hart, a white 42-year-old transgender woman, was killed in Banks, Oregon. Her body was found on Oct. 17, 2021. Prior to her death, Hart and her teenaged son, Caleb, had been struggling with housing insecurity, staying in hotel rooms through subsidized and nonprofit assistance. Later, they both were staying in her black Saab. Unfortunately, not much is known about Hart’s personal life. “As transgender people, we often face so many challenges and uncertainties, including housing and employment security,” said Tori Cooper, HRC Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. “Sadly, these situations can lead to greatly unfortunate outcomes. My heart and that of the community goes out to her son, Caleb.”

Rikkey Outumuro, a.k.a. Tru Starlet, was a 39-year-old Latina transgender woman who was fatally shot in Centralia, WA. on the night of October 30 or the morning of October 31, 2021. Outumuro was a popular and well-loved member of the Washington LGBTQ+ community. She performed under the drag name Tru Starlet and was a former Miss Gay Lewis County. Friends remembered her on social media, with one writing that she was “an incredible advocate for the queer and trans community for nearly 20 years.”

Marquiisha Lawrence, a 28-year-old Black trans woman, was “very humble,” as one friend remembers her, and had a “heart of gold.” Lawrence’s friend said that her favorite thing to do was to cook because she felt it “filled the belly and fed the heart.” Lawrence was fatally shot in South Carolina on Nov. 4, 2021.

Jenny De Leon was a 25-year-old Latina transgender woman who was found dead in Tampa, Florida, on Nov.2, 2021. De Leon attended PFLAG Tampa meetings and sought their help when she began transitioning. The organization wrote that “Jenny was an enigmatic, bright soul with enough energy to fill any room.”

Angel Naira, a 36-year-old Black transgender woman, was found fatally shot at her home in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania on Nov. 11, 2021. Naira was a graduate of Aliquippa High School and Beaver Falls Beauty Academy and worked full time in home health care. Naira’s brother wrote that she was “a great person and loved everyone. She had a big heart and would do anything for her family and friends.”

Source: https://www.hrc.org/resources/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2021

[positivelyqueer]

Look after yourself, your loved ones and your communities this Transgender Day of Remembrance.

We’re here for each other and we’re in this together.

[miserylamalice]

Little Nsfw but it's cute.

A little tribute to Trans!Dean for #TDOR

[trans-advice]

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

You can read more about the Transgender Day of Remembrance below, and find out how you can show support for the community on this day.

Additionally, the week before TDOR, people and organizations around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise visibility for transgender people and address issues the community faces.

What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester's death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

"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

How can I get involved in the Transgender Day of Remembrance?

Participate in Transgender Day of Remembrance by attending and/or organizing a vigil on November 20 to honor all those transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence that year, and learning about the violence affecting the transgender community. Vigils are typically hosted by local transgender advocates or LGBTQ organizations, and held at community centers, parks, places of worship, and other venues. The vigil often involves reading a list of the names of those lost that year.

Please see resources below on how to write stories about transgender people who have been victimized by crime, and additional resources for writing about the violence that affects transgender people, especially transgender women of color.

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, GLAAD remembers the transgender people whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence this year and over the years.

Information for media:

GLAAD's Resource Kit for Journalists Covering TDOR

GLAAD's Media Reference Guide

GLAAD's Doubly Victimized: Reporting on Transgender Victims of Crime

GLAAD's More Than a Number - Shifting the Media Narrative on Transgender Homicides

Mic's Unerased: Counting Transgender Lives

Organizations and resources:

Anti-Violence Project

International Transgender Day of Remembrance

National Center for Transgender Equality

Sylvia Rivera Law Project

Trans Women of Color Collective

Transgender Europe's Trans Murder Monitoring Project

Transgender Law Center

TransJustice at the Audre Lorde Project

Reports on violence and discrimination:

Human Rights Campaign's Violence Against the Transgender Community

National Center for Transgender Equality's Discrimination Survey

More information:

Learn more about transgender people on GLAAD's resource page

Learn about Transgender Awareness Week

[angleofmusings]

thinking about how trans awareness week is immediately followed by trans day of remembrance. how our very existence is so deeply intertwined with tragedy. but that it is only one day of mourning, and seven of joy. trans existence might be tied with sorrow, but it is still inherently beautiful.

[steverogersnotebook]

This is set to fly from 11/14 throughout Transgender Day of Remembrance on 11/20.

[sodomyordeath]

[rainbowcafelgbtqcenter]

It’s Transgender Day of Remembrance - we know of 47 transgender people have been murdered due to anti-trans violence in the United States alone, making this the most deadly year for trans people yet.

The following below is a current list put together by the Human Rights Campaign to honor and remember those we have lost this last year due to violence alone. This list does not include the countless transgender people we have lost this year due to COVID-19, suicide, or those covered up.

Tyianna Alexander

Samuel Edmund Damián Valentín

Bianca “Muffin” Bankz

Dominique Jackson

Fifty Bandz

Alexus Braxton

Chyna Carrillo

Jeffrey “JJ” Bright

Jasmine Cannady

Jenna Franks

Diamond Kyree Sanders

Rayanna Pardo

Jaida Peterson

Dominique Lucious

Remy Fennell

Tiara Banks

Natalia Smut

Iris Santos

Tiffany Thomas

Keri Washington

Jahaira DeAlto

Whispering Wind Bear Spirit

Sophie Vásquez

Danika “Danny” Henson

Serenity Hollis

Oliver “Ollie” Taylor

Thomas Hardin

Poe Black

EJ Boykin

Taya Ashton

Shai Vanderpump

Tierramarie Lewis

Miss CoCo

Pooh Johnson

Disaya Monaee

Briana Hamilton

Kiér Laprí Kartier

Mel Groves

Royal Poetical Starz

Zoella “Zoey” Rose Martinez

Jo Acker

Jessi Hart

Rikkey Outumur

Marquiisha Lawrence 

Jenny De Leon

Angel Naira

Additionally, 375 transgender people have been murdered this past year across the world due to anti-trans violence. Rainbow Cafe will ALWAYS stand with trans people, and we continue to grieve as countless legislative attacks are still being made to both endanger and take away human dignity from our transgender siblings.

We stand alongside you, and we will ALWAYS fight for our human rights.

Rainbow Cafe will be hosting a community vigil today at 6 PM on November 20th at the Town Square Pavilion in Carbondale, IL to honor and observe TDOR. Candles will be provided to attendees, masking will be required.

[queerplatonicpositivity]

[ Image Description: A photo of dozens of lighted tealight candles in the dark. Over it is a the trans symbol in brown shades and then white cursive text that reads: "Transgender Day of Remembrance." Under that is white printed text that reads: "We carry you in our hearts." End Image Description ]

[twinsfawn]

the world is certainly a terrifying and violent place for trans people, but the trans community is stronger now than it has ever been (or at least it has the potential to be). may we honor and remember those we have lost, and cherish those that are still with us. it’s important to protect all individuals in the trans community, but it would be remiss to not highlight the fact that transfeminine people, especially transfeminine people of color, are often the group that is the most greatly threatened. understand the layers of oppression and violence that the members of our community face. do not let outside forces divide us. listen to each other and love one another. may their memories be a blessing 🖤