November 20th is the annual observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The Day honours the memory of the lives that were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
TDOR was started in 1999 as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death, and began an important tradition.
Once again, we find ourselves commemorating the lives of far too many 2-Spirit, trans, and non-binary community members lost to transphobia and hate crimes across the world.
Participate in TDOR by attending a vigil, march, forum or panel discussion with local advocates, and/or movie screening that centers transgender characters.
Candlelight vigils are the most common way that local communities recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance. Vigils are typically hosted by local transgender advocates or 2SLGBTQIA+ 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 we lost that year.
Check with your local transgender organization, 2SLGBTQIA+ center, Gay-Straight Alliance, or other support groups that would likely be hosting a vigil.
Please ensure you take care and find space that allows you to feel safe and supported while processing your grief and sadness.
Antonietta/ Netta Coccaro (they/them)
2SLGBTQIA+ Representative
PSAC Ontario Council