Gwendolyn Ann Smith’s idea for the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) originally stemmed from the 1998 death of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who had been killed in Massachusetts. Smith was struck by the similarities of had happened to Hester and the murder of another transgender woman, Chanelle Pickett, just three years prior – and how no one she spoke with seemed to remember Pickett. The first vigil commemorated all the transgender people that were lost to violence that year and began an important tradition that has become the annual TDOR.

GLAAD worked with Gwendolyn to help her stell her story about the creation of TDOR, The Huffington Post. Smith’s piece (Transgender Day of Remembrance: Why We Remember) can be viewed in full on the Huffington Post.

In 1999, a handful of transgender people sought to highlight the need for awareness around anti-transgender violence, which refers to attacks against people who are perceived as transgender -- regardless of how one may personally identify. To that end, we held the first Transgender Day of Remembrance event in the Castro district of San Francisco, holding the names of those we'd lost in silent testimony.

That was 13 years ago. Today, Transgender Day of Remembrance will be presented in the United States and Canada, Australia, Poland, Russia, the Philippines, South Korea and many other locations across the Earth. The notion of remembering our dead reaches into places that those few who gathered in 1999 could hardly have envisioned.

We've seen an increase in legislation that helps prosecute those who participate in anti-transgender violence, including the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. We've seen a much greater awareness of the issue of anti-transgender violence. We've seen successes in other battles for transgender rights.

Yet we still see anti-transgender violence. Every year, we still find ourselves with a list of people who have been violently murdered for simply being themselves.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is not an event for fundraisers and beer busts. It's not an event we "celebrate." It is not a quick and easy one-day way for organizations to get credit for their support of the transgender community. It's not something to trot out on the 20th of November and forget about. We should be working every day for all of us, living and dead.

GLAAD commends the Huffington Post for elevating this important story and for continuing to talk about the daily challenges facing the transgender community.

The White House has joined the coalition of organizations and individuals who are observing Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), to remember those that have been lost due to anti-transgender violence.

Two dozen transgender advocates met with John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management at the White House to commemorate the memorial. Mr. Berry led the group in a moment of silence to honor transgender victims of violence. Following the visit, the White House posted a blog post to encourage all Americans to participate in TDoR.

From the White House blog:

Earlier today, a group of transgender community advocates met with White House staff to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance and discuss ways in which we can work together to ensure dignity, equality, and justice for all people.

Throughout America and around the world, many transgender people face bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence.  Far too often, we hear shocking and tragic stories about transgender people who have been assaulted and even killed because of their gender identity or expression.  The Obama Administration is committed to preventing violence against all people, including all members of the LGBT community, and this meeting was an important opportunity to explore ways to make our communities and neighborhoods safer.

At the meeting, community leaders highlighted a range of issues and concerns of importance to transgender people.  In the months and years ahead, we look forward to working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all transgender people.

As we mark Transgender Day of Remembrance and reflect upon the lives that have been lost to violence and injustice, let us all recommit ourselves to ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for all people.

“To have a senior Administration official like John leading us in commemorating transgender victims of violence is a really good thing,” said National Center for Transgender Equality Executive Director Mara Keisling. “But to have President Barack Obama’s commitment to solving anti-transgender violence affirmed in today’s meeting is a great thing.”

Additionally, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis also issued a statement to commemorate TDoR, focusing on the history of transgender people, as well as their place in society today.

“The Transgender Day of Remembrance will be commemorated in cities and countries around the world today, reflecting on those who have died as a result of fear, hate and transphobia.

"I stand proudly today — and every day — as an ally to the transgender community and to every person and family impacted by anti-transgender bullying and violence. Transgender people are part of the diversity that America celebrates today and they, like every American, deserve to live without fear of prejudice or violence.

"What Gwendolyn Ann Smith began as an online project in 1998 to memorialize Rita Hester's murder has today evolved to include hundreds of vigils and events in workplaces, churches and community centers around the world. I hope that this year's commemoration will serve as an opportunity to shine a brighter light on both progress made and the challenges ahead."

GLAAD is urging its constituents to participate in TDoR vigils around the country, and GLAAD staff members will attend vigils in New York and Los Angeles. Observed annually on November 20, TDoR honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Check out a full listing of TDoR vigils and events. A new timeline was posted on GLAAD’s Facebook page to illustrate milestones in transgender visibility and activism since 1952 as part of Transgender Awareness Week. That timeline is available here.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. You can read more about the Transgender Day of remembrance below, and find out how you can participate.

GLAAD worked with author and trans advocate Ja'Briel Walthour on an op-ed for Ebony.com around the importance of trans visibility and acceptance in African-American homes, churches and schools. 

Sadly, we are faced with the stark reality of a society in which certain lives have less value, and where basic human dignities are stripped away with hatred. Violence against transgender individuals is not uncommon in many communities across the United States and, unfortunately, the litany of people who have been unfairly targeted because of who they are or how they look, is growing. According to the most recent data from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) as many as 30 transgender people were murdered in 2011, most of whom were transgender African-American women, marking the highest number of reported anti-transgender murders ever reported by the organization which has been tracking hate violence for more than a decade.

 

Given current social trends, we are constantly reminded of the atrocious disregard and lack of respect for the transgender population. In fact, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) released an unprecedented survey of 6,450 respondents highlighting violence and discrimination faced by transgender and gender, non-conforming people. Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (2011), listed “hundreds of dramatic findings on the impact of anti-transgender bias”. It concludes that “people of color fare far worse than white participants across the board, with African American transgender respondents faring far worse than all others in most areas examined”.

 

We can change this.

 

Though solemn and reflective, TDOR marks the closing of one door and the opening of another. As family members, friends, and community leaders gather each year to mourn our losses, we are presented with an opportunity to connect and to collaboratively build a world in which every person is respected for who they are.

 

As a trans woman of color, I am persuaded that we can increase awareness and visibity; and, thus, promote tolerance and understanding within our communities. We can start by making our churches, schools, and work place more “user” friendly, and simply allow people to walk in their truth. When someone enters a sanctuary to worship, we must realize their right to peacefully assemble deserves just as much respect as our own. Hence, it is not okay to create an unwelcoming environment in a place designed and designated to strengthen your soul and spirit.

 

As part of GLAAD's mission to elevate voices from the LGBT community, we commend both Ebony and Ja'briel for continuing to tell the untold stories facing African-American LGBT people. 

Since 1998, the trans community and allies have observed one day in November to honor the trans people who we've lost to anti-transgender violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance, TDOR, has since become an international observation of to honor the memories of brave individuals who dared to be their most authentic selves while simulatenously serving as a call to action for equality for trans Americans. 

GLAAD worked with trans advocate and founder of the Trans People of Color Coalition, Kylar Broadus, on a piece that encourages economic empowerment and stability for trans Americans, particuarly trans people of color who are more likely that their counterparts to experience violence and discrimination based on who they are.

From his article on HuffingtonPost

One of the major obstacles to overcoming this hate and violence would be economic stability and empowerment of the trans community. Trans people, particularly communities of color, make less than $10,000 per year if employed, according to "Injustice at Every Turn." We know that joblessness leads to homelessness, poor health care and being vulnerable on the streets. We are not unemployed because we are lazy, unskilled or unintelligent or don't want to work. It is because society does not deem us worthy of even having a job. The playing field is not level. If we choose to disclose our true selves and not hide, we are not hired. If we choose not to disclose but later are found to be trans, we are fired or harassed and forced from employment. Or, even worse, we feel like we must hide the fact that we are trans as if it were some dirty little secret. We should not have to hide to be employed. Our employability should not hinge upon being able to hide but upon being qualified for the job. Being trans is only one part of a person! We are much more than just trans.

 

Let's take affirmative steps to decrease the horrific murders and other harm due to fear and ignorance. In an effort to stop the hate and save precious lives, my hope and my request is that from this time of reflection, we as one village --nationally and globally -- lay down our swords of hate, violence, fear and ignorance. I ask every reader to commit to educating yourself and getting to know trans people. My guess is that you're even related to someone or work with someone whom you just might not know is trans. Secondly, I ask you to be aware of your actions and words so as not to perpetuate hate or violence, then to take action and contact your local, state and congressional legislators to urge passage of employment protections and other policies that affect trans people. There is no protection from employment discrimination nationally for those who are transgender. Work with local, state and national court systems and law enforcement to educate and inform. I am asking communities of color to step up and protect members within our own communities. If we abuse someone within our own community or allow them to be abused because of bigotry, then what are we saying about our own worth? Is bigotry of any kind acceptable? Even the kind perpetuated against you?

 

Communities of color, I am asking you to stand with us. We are people of color who happen to be trans. We didn't choose communities. Lesbian, gay and bisexual people, we fought with you and are also a part of your community. Some of us may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual or straight.

 

This is a call to action!

Economic empowerment, health disparties and anti-transgender violence continue to be overarching issues for trans Americans when trying to participate fully in their communities. GLAAD commends Kylar for his article and continue work to employ trans people of color. 

Kylar Broadus is an African-American transgender advocate, lawyer, and board member for the National Black Justice Coalition, a national black LGBT civil rights organization based in Washington, D.C. He is also the founder of the Trans People of Color Coalition, the only national social justice organization promoting the interests of transgender people of color. 

Tonight catch brand new episodes of Chicago Fire and American Horror Story: Asylum.

What to Watch: Wednesday, November 21

10:00pm: Chicago Fire, NBC (1 hr) NEW

Everyone in the firehouse is ordered to take a drug test after they're exposed to a makeshift drug lab, but Severide balks out of concern that his injury and the painkillers he takes for it will be discovered. Meanwhile, Truck and Squad deal with a shooting and Casey delivers a baby at the scene of a massive pileup on the freeway. Watch a preview below.

10:00pm: American Horror Story: Asylum, FX (1 hr) NEW

Dr. Thredson begins to reveal his past to Lana as he explains how he came to be Bloody Face. Meanwhile, a young girl is mysteriously abandoned at Briarcliff Asylum. Check out a sneak peek below.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.

_____________________________

About TV Gayed
Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.

On November 20^th, communities across the world paused in a moment of silence for the transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance. According to international monitoring organizations as many as 265 people were murdered across the world in the last year. And despite the work of trans activists and LGBT organizations, such as GLAAD and NCTE, here in the US, trans Americans remain among the most disenfranchised communities in the country.

"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." - Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith

As part of our mission to amplify the voices of LGBT people, GLAAD worked with many trans activists and community members to raise visibility about the continued discrimination trans Americans face. From helping Ja’Briel Walthour, a author and trans activist from Georgia, discuss the importance of honoring trans women of color on Ebony.com to pitching and placing a look-back at the most influential transgender entertainers and actors to The Advocate, our goal remains to celebrate LGBT Americans and to help shape the media around our successes and struggles.

For a complete list of our work to honor the lives of trans people we've lost to anti-trans violence, visit www.glaad.org/tdor. 

Blog posts and news

• Timeline: A Look Back at the History of Transgender Visibility
• Trans Advocate Ja'Briel Walthour: Honoring Trans Women of Color on TDOR
• Trans People of Color Coalition Founder: Trans People of Color Coalition Founder Kylar Broadus Urges More Equality on TDOR 
• National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs Coordinator Chai Jindsaurat: Transgender Day of Remembrance; Remembring Dee Dee Pearson 
• Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith: Transgender Day of Remembrance: Why We Remember
• GLAAD and many others have shared inspiring stories of transgender people who are making an impact during Transgender Awareness Week. Read them here.
• The Advocate: 13 Transgender Americans Murdered in 2012
• Huffington Post Gay Voices: List of 50 transgender icons
• Huffington Post Gay Voices: Everyday People 
• Huffington Post Gay Voices: Why Centering Race in Transgender Advocacy Is Key to Equality for All
• Univision National: Transgender Day of Remembrance
• Transgender Faith Leaders Help Create Welcoming Communities
• Guest Post: Meeting Spiritual Needs on Transgender Day of Rememberance
• Guest Post: Why I Tell My Story: Putting it All on the Line
• Guest Post: Being the Spouse of a Trans Clergy Man

Resources for media/bloggers

In addition, GLAAD released a new resource kit for journalists reporting on trans people who are victims of violence, urging them to treat trans victims of violence with diginity and respect. 

• Check out GLAAD's resource kit for journalist covering TDOR
• Check out GLAAD's Media Reference Guide
• Double Victimized: Reporting on Transgender Victims of Crime.

GLAAD observes #Transgender Day of Remembrance glaad.org/blog/glaad-obs…#tdor#LGBT#trans

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 20, 2012

For the past year, GLAAD has been tracking many of the loudest voices called upon to speak to the media against the rights and welfare of LGBT people. We have been having conversations with members of the media about why it's important to put these pundits into context, and to inform audiences about what they have said to build up their national profiles to the point that landed them these gigs in the first place. With great success, we've done this. We've seen on-air anchors use some of the findings that GLAAD and others have documents to hold these voices accountable for the incendiary things they say about us when they think only their most fervent supporters are looking and listening. This attempt to reconcile the more staid roles these pundits take on for the mainstream media with the less measured approaches they use when speaking in their own forums has led to more conversation, more understanding of the problem as we presented it, and, yes—more accountability.

So now a proposal for you. This week, as we all head to our respective places of turkey (or tofurkey)-dom, I challenge you to take some of these same principles that we have been using with the Commentator Accountability Project and apply them to your own life. 

• Hear your uncle whisper a crudely anti-gay or anti-trans joke to your cousin? Don't get angry. Instead, ask him if he'd like to share the joke with the entire room, then challenge him on why he feels like he needs to denigrate certain kinds of people for his own punchlines. Do it calmly, but do it firmly.




• Is your mother making demands of you and your partner or spouse that she does not make of your heterosexual siblings, even though she claims at the dinner table to be a strong supporter of you and your life? Challenge her on this! She might not even realizing she's doing it. Give her the benefit of the doubt. Help lead her to her own reconciliation, marrying what might be her intent (i.e. making you feel at home) with what she is unknowingly demonstrating (i.e. casual homophobia/heterosexism).




• Is your aunt giving you that speech we've all heard before? You know, the one where she asserts in the most self-satisfied of tones that she is fine with gay people like you because you don't "act gay," but that she has a problem with those who "flaunt it." Again, keep your cool. But don't let this stuff slide. Tell her that if she really feels this way, then she in fact does have a problem with you. Ask her why she deems you okay because you present with a certain demeanor but gets our her "defective" stamp whenever her gender roles are challenged. Have a deep conversation about this. Ask her where her fear and discomfort really lies.




• Have a younger relative who you sense is struggling with his or her own sexual orientation or gender identity? Take the time to have a meaningful conversation. Certainly do not make assumptions that might cause conflict or consternation, but do lend a gentle shoulder to a person who make need it more than you even know. After all, the reason we hold others accountable for their own hostilities is so we can pave an easier road for generations to come. Use the tools that you have learned to help someone else cut through the noise.




• Are there allies in your family who are with you in every way but who don't really know how they can make a difference? Encourage them to be accountability agents themselves. Challenge them to have these own conversations in their own daily life. Ask them to say something when they see or hear something, be it in their personal life or in their local media outlets.

Like so many other things in life, accountability begins at home. With the Commentator Accountability Project, GLAAD has asked for more substantive conversation about the issues that matter, the voices that chatter, and the actual human beings whose real world impact and/or damage often goes undiscussed. This is not just about CNN or The New York Times. This is also about asking grandma to "yes, please pass the cranberry sauce" but to not pass the buck when it comes to making a difference. We all can. 

The 80’s-tinged sound of out lesbian singer-songwriter AG might be familiar to fans of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, but now an upcoming project has her tackling some classic Beatles recordings.

After finding success in her years as a solo artist, AG went on to help form The Rescues, which signed to Universal.  Since then she has refocused on her own career, and went on to release her eighth studio album, Me After You.

This year however, AG may have ventured into her most difficult project yet; covering the songs of The Beatles, arguably the most famous rock band in history.   Released 50 years after the formation of the Beatles on John Lennon’s birthday, her new EP (simply titled The Beatles) injects her signature style into six Beatles tracks, including “She Loves You,” “From Me to You,” and a gender-bending version of “I Wanna Be Your Man.”

Check out the video for I Wanna Be Your Man below and the rest of the EP on iTunes.

In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, on November 20, Univision's highly-rated news program Primer Impacto aired a segment to educate its viewers on the violence and discrimination transgender people face around the world, and to remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence. 

Notably the segment also highlighted positive stories of transgender people succeeding despite adversity, as well as the diversity within the transgender community.

Among those featured was Arianna Inurritegui-Lint, an Orlando-based transgender Peruvian immigrant who is the East Coast Coordinator for the TransLatina Coalition, and a graduate of GLAAD's People of Color Media Institute. In the interview, Arianna shared her own story and the loss of her best friend and roommate Angie Sam, who was killed because she was transgender. Also featured was Jessica Lam, a nationally-recognized Miami-based Cuban-American transgender advocate . Both women were present at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami's service for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Primer Impacto is, according to Variety, “one of the highest-rated daily news shows Stateside and in a dozen Latin American countries," ensuring that the message of acceptance and respect for transgender people in the segment reached millions of people.

Also in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, Huffington Post Voces published a piece by Dante Alencastre, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker and advocate, speaking about his journey to becoming an ally to the transgender community. 

Yesterday, the Ugandan Parliament added a bill to its schedule that would sentence LGBT people in Uganda to death. According to reports from international news providers like Agence France-Press and LGBT news sites including Towleroad, the bill might be debated as early as today or over the next several weeks.

You can take action by signing All Out's petition urging Uganda to drop the "Kill the Gays Bill" here.

Rebecca Kadaga, speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, recently told the Associated Press that the anti-gay bill would be a "Christmas gift" to the population. 

The bill shifts attention away from laws and policies that would benefit Ugandan society as a whole, such as addressing corruption, land-grabbing, as well as the suppression of media freedom and civil society space. Instead the bill scapegoats the LGBT population.

Sexual Minorities Uganda's Frank Mugisha, who has fearlessly worked to prevent the bill from becoming law, detailed the bill's draconian provisions in an email today:

"Any person alleged to be homosexual would be at risk of life imprisonment or in some circumstances the death penalty"

"Any parent who does not denounce their lesbian daughter or gay son to the authorities would face fines of $2,650 or three years in prison"

"Any teacher who does not report a lesbian or gay pupil to the authorities within 24 hours would face the same penalties"

"And any landlord or landlady who happens to give housing to a suspected homosexual would risk 7 years of imprisonment"

Mugisha also wrote: "All of the offences covered by the Bill as drafted can be applied to a Ugandan citizen who allegedly commits them - even outside the country of Uganda! At the very least, the bill violates all principle human rights and if enacted, it would contravene 8 articles of Uganda's own constitution. It not only violates the Constitution of Uganda but Uganda's international human rights obligations, and also stifles debate, undermines Civil Society and demeans the common citizenship of all Ugandans."

"We all must speak out against this bill - which flies in the face of all decent human decency by punishing and murdering people simply for who they are," said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. "As Americans pause to be grateful for their family and friends on Thanksgiving, our thoughts are with those brave people in Uganda working to fight this hateful law."

Gay Star News reports that the bill is expected to pass Parliament. It will then be up to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to veto the bill. If he does so, his veto could be overturned by the assembly. The bill was originally put to the government in 2009 but was temporarily shelved because of international criticism. It resurfaced after Kadaga became speaker last year.

In 2010, The White House released a statement condemning the legislation:

The president strongly opposes efforts, such as the draft law pending in Uganda, that would criminalize homosexuality and move against the tide of history.

In addition to All Out's petition, you can ask the U.S. to once again speak out by writing the U.S. State Department on its Facebook page.

GLAAD is sharing this news along with steps that can be taken to prevent LGBT Ugandans from being sent to prison or murdered for who they are with national media today. We urge you to speak to your own friends and family and encourage them to also take action. 

Tonight catch an all new Glee!

What to Watch: Thursday, November 22

9:00pm: Glee, Fox (1 hr) NEW

Blaine goes to visit the Warblers after they break in and steal New Directions' trophies. Meanwhile, a love triangle heats up as Jake and Ryder fight for Marley's affections. Check out a sneak peek below.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.

_____________________________

About TV Gayed
Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.

This weekend catch all new episodes of Malibu Country, The Good Wife, Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids, Brides of Beverly Hills, The Amazing Race, Revenge and the Downton Abbey Revisited special.

What to Watch: Friday, November 23

8:30pm: Malibu Country, ABC (30 mins) NEW

Reba's ex-husband shows up for Cash's birthday and causes tension when he gifts Cash with a brand new sports car after Reba said she wanted him to have to earn a car. Meanwhile, Lillie Mae tries to calm Kim when she reveals a life-changing secret.

9:30pm: Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids, TLC (30 mins) NEW

One bridesmaid finds a problem with every dress presented to her and another bride's best friend holds up the process when she refuses to wear a strapless gown like the rest of the party.

10:00pm: Brides of Beverly Hills, TLC (30 mins) NEW

A woman searches for a dress for her vow renewal ceremony with her ex-husband and her fourth husband. Another bride's family attempts to stop fighting long enough to help her find her dream dress.

10:30pm: Brides of Beverly Hills, TLC (30 mins) NEW

A former Baywatch star searches for a dress for her vow renewal ceremony and a limousine-company owner shows up with a bodyguard to search for an elegant dress for his bride-to0be.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen,The Talk (CBS) & The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.

What to Watch: Sunday, November 25

8:00pm: The Amazing Race, CBS (1 hr) NEW

The teams continue the race in Amsterdam. This season's cast includes gay couple Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge (better known asThe Fabulous Beekman Boys) and gay Chippendales dancer Jaymes Vaughan.

8:00pm: Downton Abbey Revisited, PBS (1.5 hrs) NEW

Angela Lansbury hosts this recap special of the first two seasons in preparation for the season three premiere set for January 2013. Check out a sneak peek below.

9:00pm: The Good Wife, CBS (1 hr) NEW

Alicia's mother comes to town for Thanksgiving and is hoping for legal and moral support from Alicia and Owen. Meanwhile, Alicia and Diane agree to let a famous lawyer help them on their newest case, but begin to suspect he may not have their client's best interests in mind.

9:00pm: Revenge, ABC (1 hr) NEW

This flashback episode rewinds the story to 2006 when NolCorp goes public, Carl Porter finds himself in trouble after getting in too deep with the wrong people on the docks, Emily goes on her first mission under Takeda's guidance and Victoria gets a surprise visit from her estranged mother which triggers memories of the past she thought she had escaped.

_____________________________

About TV Gayed
Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.

Over the past week, GLAAD has been commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Awareness Week by sharing stories that highlight the resilience and the achievements of transgender Americans, like Noah Alvarez, Rev. Jay Wilson, and Gretta Estrada. GLAAD has also been commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance by urging the media to highlight the perpetual anti-transgender violence trans Americans continue to face.

As a result of our work to amplify the voices of the trans community, both mainstream and LGBT media are paying closer attention to the continued challenges trans people face when trying to participate fully in their communities. Last week, CBS highlighted GLAAD and Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition’s (MTPC) online video project “I AM: Trans People Speak” which features everyday Americans sharing their personal experiences about being trans and observations on the transgender community.

Jennifer Finney Boylan, a GLAAD board member, professor and bestselling author of “She’s Not There,” she shares her inspiring story of how the love and commitment in her marriage gave her courage to transition at age 40. “If we begin with love,” she says “then everything else will flow from there.”

Watch as Jennifer shares her moving story as part of the “I AM: Trans People Speak” series.

Known trans advocate Laverne Cox wasn’t always comfortable in her own skin. In fact, in her video as part of GLAAD’s “I AM: Trans People Speak” campaign, which features individuals sharing their personal experiences about being trans, she touches on her initial perceptions of trans identity and how she ultimately grew to embrace it after realizing she wasn’t “blending in effortlessly.” She also talks about her personal experiences being both black and transgender, and about the enduring positive impact that the growing up in the black church had on her.

GLAAD has worked with Laverne Cox previously in media campaigns to raise the visibility of the transgender community. She recently appeared in the “Voting While Trans” PSA series produced by the National Center for Transgender Equality and GLAAD, spoke out in favor of the Miss Universe Organization’s decision to allow transgender contestants, and reflected on the tragic death of Lorena Escalera.

In amplifying and elevating the voices in the trans community, both LGBT and mainstream media have taken note and are paying closer attention to the continued challenges trans people face when trying to engage in their communities.

Just recently, CBS News featured GLAAD and Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition’s (MTPC) online video project “I AM: Trans People Speak” which features four individuals sharing their personal experiences about being trans and observations on the transgender community.

Click here to view the other newly-released videos part of the “I AM: Trans People Speak” series.

GLAAD has been commemorating Transgender Awareness Week this week by sharing stories that highlight the resilience and the achievements of transgender Americans, some of which include Noah Alvarez, Rev. Jay Wilson, and Gretta Estrada.

Just recently, CBS News highlighted GLAAD and Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition’s (MTPC) online video project “I AM: Trans People Speak” which features individuals sharing their personal experiences about being trans and observations on the transgender community.

Kit Yan, a performance poet and artist, discusses his journey as a transgender man and the struggles he faced when trying to explain the transition to his parents. “There was a little bit of a language barrier,” he says “They had a really hard time figuring out what it was exactly that it meant when I said I was transgender.” He also shares his family’s experience seeing a spiritual advisor and how it brought them closer as a result.

Kit has been involved in some of GLAAD’s recent media campaigns, one of which was a PSA series called “Voting While Trans” (also sponsored by NCTE) which was a part of our effort to raise visibility of trans voting issues.

Watch as Kit shares his moving story.

Click here to view the other newly-released videos part of the “I AM: Trans People Speak” series.

Tonight catch the season finale of RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race as a new drag queen is named to the Drag Race Hall of Fame. Plus a new episode of Start-Ups: Silicon Valley.

What to Watch: Monday, November 26

9:00pm: RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race, Logo (1 hr) SEASON FINALE

In the final challenge the All Stars go on a whirlwind junket that ends in a stand-up routine at Los Angeles' famed Comedy Store before RuPaul crowns the winner. Cheri Oteri guest stars as the comedy coach and is joined on the judges panel by The Gossip's Beth Ditto.

10:00pm: Start-Ups: Silicon Valley, Bravo (1 hr) NEW

David gets caught in the middle as Ben and Hermione yell at each other following another failed pitch for funding help for their business. Meanwhile, Kim makes a difficult choice about her future at Ampush. Check out a sneak peek below.

This morning and afternoon, check your local listings for information about Ellen, The Talk (CBS) and The Chew (ABC). Days of Our Lives on NBC (check local listings for time) features gay character Will as a series regular; keep an eye out for developments between Will and recurring gay characters Sonny and Neil.

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About TV Gayed
Grab the remote or set your DVR! GLAAD brings you the most up-to-date listing of LGBT content on television every weekday. Check GLAAD Blog for daily TV Gayed posts!

About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, see www.glaad.org, www.facebook.com/glaad and www.twitter.com/glaad.

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.

1) Logo announced the cast for the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and premiered a new trailer featuring the contestants.  Among the ranks (in order as they appear in the trailer) are Lineysha Sparx, Honey Mahogany, Jinkx Monsoon, Ivy Winters, Serena ChaCha , Alyssa Edwards, Coco Montrese, Roxxxy Andrews, Monica Beverly Hillz, Detox, Jade Jolie, Vivienne Pinay, Alaska, and Penny Tration. The season premiere is set for January, so it’s already time to start planning those viewing parties! Check out the NewNowNext website to meet the queens, and catch the season finale of RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race this Monday.

2) The BBC aired a special holiday prequel minisode of Doctor Who during their Children in Need benefit show. The minisode was aired in anticipation of the Doctor Who Christmas special, which will see the return of lesbian warrior Madame Vastra and her “cohort” Jenny and is set to air on Christmas Day. Check out the minisode of a sad Doctor with his alien friends below, along with the official trailer for the special which will air here on BBC America.

3) Out actor George Takei announced via Tumblr that he is shooting an episode of Hawaii Five-O set to air on CBS in December. Titled “Kahu,” the episode will see Takei portray Uncle Choi, the bootlegger uncle of Chin Ho Kelly, played by Daniel Dae Kim.

4) A love of advocacy, humor, and bowties has inspired out Emmy-nominated actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his fiancé, Justin Mikita, to form a limited edition bowtie line benefitting marriage equality campaigns, which has now officially launched.  There are over twenty ties to choose from in the Tie the Knot line through online retailer Tie Bar. Check them out here.

5) MTV announced that the network will air “I’m Positive,” a 60-minute special on World AIDS Day, December 1. The project is in collaboration with Dr. Drew Productions and will be presented under the ongoing “GYT: Get Yourself Tested” campaign. The goal of “I’m Positive” is to dispel many lingering false myths about HIV, and it will chronicle the experiences of three HIV-positive young adults. Among them is the openly gay Otis, who struggles with setting a good example as an LGBT person for his family while coming out as HIV-positive. Check out the special on MTV with a simulcast on MTV Tr3s on December 1 at 7 pm ET.

6) Playwright Del Shores, the creator of Sordid Lives, is working on a film version of his award winning play Southern Baptist Sissies. The story is about four gay boys who grew up in the Southern Baptist Church as they each go through separate journeys of self-acceptance. The original play won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding LA Theater Production. Del Shores is seeking funding for the project, and you can check out his Kickstarter page here.

Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” bill is still in play, and its connection to American Evangelical leaders has become clearer. Scott Lively, who is profiled on GLAAD’s CAP page, led an “anti-homosexuality” conference in Kampala, Uganda in 2009. He is now taking credit for much of the bill in an article published on World Net Daily. At the time of the conference, Lively was heavily criticized by the international community for meeting directly with Ugandan government officials and pushing for what has become known as the “Kill the Gays” bill.

While Scott Lively has been most closely associated with anti-LGBT sentiment in Uganda, other prominent anti-gay pundits have voiced their support for the bill in Uganda, including Bryan Fischer (see his tweets below) of the American Family Association, who recently interviewed Lively about Uganda.

Box Turtle Bulletin has provided the most complete, up-to-date coverage of the bill. While the bill has been called the “Kill the Gays” bill, there is debate about whether the death penalty would be included. But even if the death penalty is removed, the bill is egregious enough. It includes a life sentence in prison for gay and lesbian people, as well as imprisonment for anyone who does not “turn in” gay and lesbian people to the government. This would include parents, teachers, doctors, clergy, and landlords.

Swift action is needed to publically condemn the bill. All Out is closing in on 200,000 signatures on their petition against the bill. Support has come from the United States, Canada, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, Ireland, Brazil and many other parts of the globe. All Out is aiming for 250,000 signatures. We encourage all our followers to add their name to the All Out petition.

Additionally, faith leaders are speaking against the bill. Pastor Joseph Tolton is the driving force behind Hope in Uganda, which has gathered signatures from African-American religious leaders throughout the United States who oppose the “Kill the Gays” bill. Groundswell has also recently launched a petition against the bill aimed at garnering support from people of faith. Please take the time to sign these petitions and urge your friends and family to take action as well.

Over the past week, GLAAD has been commemorating Transgender Awareness Week by sharing stories that highlight the resilience and the achievements of transgender Americans, like Noah Alvarez, Rev. Jay Wilson, and Gretta Estrada.

As a result of our work to amplify the voices of the trans community, both mainstream and LGBT media are paying closer attention to the continued challenges trans people face when trying to participate fully in their communities.

In his video, Noah Lewis, an attorney at the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), discusses when he first realized the possibility of transitioning at age 27, as part of GLAAD and Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition’s (MTPC) online video project “I AM: Trans People Speak”. Watch as Noah shares his eye-opening journey of self-acceptance. He also talks about his experience being a both transgender and a lawyer and how that allows him to effectively articulate the medical necessity of the transition process in the courtroom.

Watch as Noah shares his moving story.

Click here to view the other newly-released videos part of the “I AM: Trans People Speak” series.

Marriage equality is nearly a reality in Washington. On December 6 Washington State will begin issuing marriage licenses to loving and committed gay and lesbian couples! Because of a three-day waiting period, the first day that weddings can occur is December 9.  It will be an historic few days for the Evergreen State and a milestone for the movement for full equality. 

No doubt, media outlets from across the state and across the nation are planning to capture all the excitement of the first days of marriage equality, so this presents Washington couples (or couples from neighboring states who plan to marry in Washington even if their own state won't recognize it) with an incredible opportunity to share their stories of love and commitment!

If you and your loved one plan to wed on the first days of marriage equality in the state and are open to sharing your love story and wedding plans with the media, GLAAD really wants to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to let us know about you as a couple and your lives together. We’ll be in touch with you as media opportunities present themselves. The more information you’re able to provide us with the better!

To share your love story & wedding plans with GLAAD, go to: http://www.glaad.org/vote/couples.

We will contact you if we receive media requests for which you and your significant other would be appropriate.  In the meantime, please be sure to share your great news with family, friends and your local newspaper – by sharing the most significant moments of our lives that we underscore our commonly-held values with the communities of which we are a part.

Thanks in advance for your willingness to speak with the media about your relationship and for taking the time to submit your story and image.  By sharing your story as a couple, you help us promote understanding, increase acceptance and advance equality.  We couldn't do our work without you!