Transgender Day of Remembrance: Honoring Lives Lost
November 20th marks Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day to honor transgender individuals lost to violence. Created in 1999 by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, it began as a tribute to Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered in 1998. Ritaβs death highlighted the violence and systemic discrimination faced by the transgender community, as well as the frequent misgendering of victims.
Each year, TDOR events include reading the names of those killed in the past year and sharing their stories. These gatherings not only honor lives lost but also raise awareness of ongoing violence, especially against transgender women of color, who are disproportionately affected.
TDOR is both a day of mourning and a call to action. It emphasizes the need for societal change, advocacy, and allyship to ensure transgender individuals can live safely and authentically. By remembering the past, we commit to building a more inclusive and just future.