The first Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was a vigil. It was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith in memory of Rita Hester, a woman killed because of targeted anti-transgender violence.
In 2021, the Day has grown exponentially and is celebrated worldwide. Change Matrix (CM) recognizes the importance of this annual memorial and has put together a list of ways that you can honor the slain members of the transgender community this November 20.
1. Connect with a local LGBTQ+ center and take part in an event.
Intentionally created as a way to memorialize transgender people around the world, there is no centralized TDOR event to follow. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t celebrations happening locally. Visit the CenterLink Community of LGBT Centers website to find the closest LGBTQ+ community center in your area. Often, these organizations will know the best way to celebrate TDOR locally and might even have virtual options for participating in the Day for those who are not located next to a center within driving distance.
2. Have questions about the community? Visit a reliable resource page.
For allies interested in learning more about the transgender community in honor of TDOR and to look at national resource guides, visit GLAAD’s Transgender Media Program page or Human Rights Campaign’s resource page.
3. Spread the word about TDOR.
Not sure what to say but interested in spreading the word about TDOR? A great way to do is is by visiting social media and sharing articles that shed more light on the Day’s origins and importance. Here are a few suggestions:
- Founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith on the 20th Anniversary of Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Nov. 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance. Let’s honor those we have lost
- Marking the Deadliest Year on Record, Human Rights Campaign Announces Release of Annual Report on Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People
4. Donate to groups working for transgender equity or get involved in advocacy.
When learning about the TDOR, it’s normal to want to aid the transgender community, but it can be overwhelming to narrow down which organizations to donate to or support through advocacy. GLAAD has created a list that is a great starting point for doing so.
5. Take in transgender media.
It’s common for allies to the transgender community to read about the community but not hear from it directly. A way to change that is to consume media made by transgender people about the experience. Texas Public Radio has created a list of podcasts and books that can be used as a starting point to learn more from transgender activists and artists.
