Why We Support Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28, 1998, launched the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco vigil the following year. The event provides a forum for transgender communities and allies to raise awareness of the threat of violence faced by gender variant people and the persistence of prejudice felt by the transgender community. Communities organize events and activities including town hall style "teach-ins," photography and poetry exhibits and candlelit vigils. These activities make anti-transgender violence visible to stakeholders like police, the media and elected officials.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Timeline
- 1975 Minneapolis became the first U.S. city to pass a law prohibiting the discrimination of transgender people.
- 1999 Transgender Day was founded. Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in order to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman.
- 2010 Transgender Day was globally recognized.The day was observed in more than 185 cities across more than 20 countries.
How to Observe Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Attend candlelight vigils, food drives, and film screenings.
- Attend or organize a march in your community.
- Support transgender rights groups.
- Take time to reflect on our fallen angels.
- Be sympathetic (every day!)
- Host an event that allows communities to come together and unify against the powers of hate and fear.
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