Trans Day of Remembrance: Mourn the Dead & Fight for the Living
“The 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.” — Gwendolyn Ann Smith, TDoR Founder
What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Transgender Day of Remembrance, on November 20th, is an annual observance of our trans siblings who have been killed due to anti-trans violence. According to a report by the Human Rights Campaign, over 372 transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals have been killed in the United States, with “the vast majority of victims are trans women of color (particularly Black trans women), the vast majority are young adults aged 30 or younger.”
Transgender Day of Remembrance originated to honor the life and work of murdered trans activist Rita Hester, who was killed in 1998. Gwendolyn Ann Smith, the founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance, coordinated a vigil in Rita’s honor, as well as in honor of all those who had been killed due to anti-trans violence, which has since become an annual observance known as Transgender Day of Remembrance. Transgender Day of Remembrance is meant not only to honor those we’ve lost in our community, but to highlight the violence trans folks face to cis allies–in the hopes of moving them to action and fight for their trans neighbors.
“This epidemic of violence stems from a series of root causes: many victims are experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and/or poverty; interpersonal violence plays a large role, with victims often killed by romantic partners, family members, and friends; in many other instances, victims lose their lives in transphobic acts of violence. These causes are fueled by anti-trans stigma and discrimination in all aspects of daily life, including policies and rhetoric that institutionalize transphobia through practices that prevent trans and gender-expansive people from having the same access to opportunities, resources, and power as their cisgender peers.” (x)
source: https://reports.hrc.org/dismantling-a-culture-of-violence
Mourn the dead, fight for the living:
It’s important to honor the legacy of those we’ve lost and mourn what was taken from them, as well as raising awareness for the violence our most marginalized community members face. But honoring those who have passed can’t be the only time we show up for our trans siblings–it’s important to work hard to change the violence they face so we don’t continue to lose them. When the only time allies show up is to honor those lost, the conditions our marginalized communities face never change.
It is vital to remember that the history of this day expands beyond simply listing names, it is about honoring the legacy trans and gender non-conforming people have paved for a future that honors queer and trans joy and longevity.
Organizations like Plume, House of Tulip, G.L.I.T.S and Trans Justice Funding Project are investing in creating conditions that allow TGNC people to not only survive but thrive, and build a sustainable future. Transgender Day of Remembrance is a reminder of not only the harsh conditions our trans siblings are subject to, but that social support like access to safe housing, employment free of discrimination, career coaching, universal healthcare, and immigration protections are central to the fight for trans equality.
If you’re new to trans allyship, check out this “allyship: first steps” guide from transwhat.org as a first step.
Other ways to show up for trans folks:
Advocate for trans inclusivity practices in your workplace, schools, medical environments:
Learn to notice how gender is approached in the various environments you’re in. Do people offer pronouns or ask for others? Are there gender inclusive forms and paperwork in your workplace, school, or medical offices? When you notice opportunities for better inclusivity, bring them up. Provide resources to the various environments you’re in to help them adopt more gender inclusive practices.
Adopt trans inclusive social practices:
Get in the habit of offering your own pronouns when you meet new people, correcting others when you notice them using incorrect pronouns for others, and practice pushing back or speaking up when you encounter transphobic comments.
Connect with local organizations
Find out what work your local trans communities are involved in, and explore ways to get involved in those efforts. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel–you just need to listen to the trans people in your community about what their needs are and how those needs can be met!
Contribute to community resources for unhoused folks
Trans folks are disproportionately unhoused, so contributing to local food pantries, advocating for NARCAN kits, handing out care kits to your unhoused neighbors, etc. can be a way to materially contribute to the conditions your trans community members are navigating.
Get informed about policies on the local and national level that are impacting trans folks:
How can you show up for trans folks with your vote? What policies are impacting trans folks, both in your local community and on the national level? Are there calls to action for calling/writing representatives, or showing up in other ways?
Familiarize yourself with local trans-affirming resources…:
…so that you can pass the information along to the trans folks in your life, your neighborhood, or to others who may need them when the opportunity arises.
Show up for trans artists and events:
Trans folks are more than their suffering–they are full, complex people with rich interesting lives far beyond the marginalization they face. Look for local opportunities to attend trans-run events, experience art, movies, music, or other art exhibitions by trans artists. Remember to show up for trans folks' passions and successes as well as advocating for an end to anti-trans violence!
National Organizations to Check Out:
G&STC Resources for Allies:
A Brief Guide to They/Them Pronouns: Their Significance & How to Use Them
Why Trans Care Must Take a “Health at Every Size” (HAES) Approach
Six Tips for Therapists to Be More Queer and Trans Inclusive in Their Practice
What is “Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria,” and What Does it Have to Do with My Trans Child?
BLOG AUTHORS ALL HOLD POSITIONS AT THE GENDER & SEXUALITY THERAPY CENTER (G&STC). FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR THERAPISTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT US.