Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance dedicated to honoring the memory of transgender individuals who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. It serves as a solemn reminder of the challenges faced by the transgender community and highlights the ongoing fight for equality and safety.

Quick Facts

When is it? November 20
Tagged as: Memorial, Advocacy, Awareness
What’s the hashtag? #TDOR
When was it founded? 1999
Who founded it? Gwendolyn Ann Smith

History of Transgender Day of Remembrance

TDOR was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender advocate, following the murder of Rita Hester in 1998. Rita’s death exposed the widespread violence faced by transgender individuals and inspired a vigil that eventually evolved into an annual tradition. Since its inception, TDOR has grown to include memorials, candlelight vigils, and events worldwide, shedding light on the systemic violence and discrimination faced by transgender people.

Timeline

1998: Rita Hester’s murder sparks outrage and inspires a vigil.
1999: The first official TDOR is held in Boston and San Francisco.
2010: TDOR is observed in over 185 cities across 20+ countries.
2015: The term “Transgender Day of Resilience” is coined to emphasize survival and strength.
2020s: TDOR continues to expand globally with increased advocacy efforts.

Dates: Transgender Day of Remembrance Observance

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	November 20	Thursday
2026	November 20	Friday
2027	November 20	Saturday
2028	November 20	Monday
2029	November 20	Tuesday
2030	November 20	Wednesday

Observed: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed through various activities:

Candlelight Vigils: Communities gather to honor those lost to anti-transgender violence.
Name Readings: Victims’ names are read aloud to ensure their lives are remembered.
Advocacy Events: Workshops, panel discussions, and marches raise awareness about transphobia and violence.

These observances create spaces for mourning, solidarity, and reflection while fostering advocacy for systemic change.

Fun Facts About Transgender Day of Remembrance

TDOR marks the conclusion of Transgender Awareness Week.
The event often includes artistic expressions like poetry readings or memorial exhibits.
It began as a grassroots effort but has grown into a global movement.

Quiz

What year was the first Transgender Day of Remembrance?
- (Answer: 1999)
Who founded TDOR?
- (Answer: Gwendolyn Ann Smith)
What inspired TDOR’s creation?
- (Answer: The murder of Rita Hester)
What is the official date for TDOR?
- (Answer: November 20)
What does TDOR aim to highlight?
- (Answer: Anti-transgender violence and remembrance)

FAQs

What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
TDOR is an annual observance honoring victims of anti-transgender violence.
Why is TDOR important?
It raises awareness about hate crimes against transgender individuals and advocates for equality.
Who can participate in TDOR events?
Anyone can join vigils or advocacy events as allies or community members.
What happens during TDOR?
Activities include name readings, moments of silence, and advocacy workshops.
How can I support TDOR?
Attend events, share information online using #TDOR, or donate to organizations supporting transgender rights.

Importance of Transgender Day of Remembrance

Raising Awareness: TDOR highlights the violence faced by transgender individuals, encouraging societal recognition and action against transphobia.
Honoring Lives Lost: It ensures that victims are remembered with dignity while emphasizing their humanity beyond statistics.
Advocating Change: By fostering dialogue about systemic issues, TDOR inspires efforts toward creating safer environments for transgender people.