On November 20th, in observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance, world will pause to remember those we have experienced anti-transgender violence. According to estimates from international monitoring groups, there were 265 cases of anti-transgender murders reported from November 15th 2011 to November 14th 2012. Here in the US, there have been more than 25 cases of reported violence against transgender individuals over the past year, most of whom were trans women of color.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people who experienced anti-violence that year and began an important memorial that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. GLAAD has put together a resource kit to provide you more informatino about Transgender Day of Remembrance.
In lead up to TDOR, GLAAD has been sharing the stories that highlight the resilience and achievements of everyday transgender Americans, like Noah Alvarez, Rev. Jay Wilson, and Gretta Estrada, as part Transgender Awareness Week , and, as a result, 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 commemoration for TDOR, GLAAD staffers and volunteers will participate in memorial ceremonies in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you are interested in participating in Transgender Day of Remembrance, we encourage you to visit www.transgenderdor.org to find an event in your city. If you are the organizer of an event, please submit it to transgenderdor@gmail.com
New York:
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
208 West 13th Street (at 7th ave)
Solemn Prayer
Candlelight Moment of Reflection
Featured, Inspirational Speakers
YOU! (Community Speak-out)
Featuring snacks, educational info, resources to services and more.
Visit http://www.gaycenter.org/node/8397 for more information.
San Francisco:
5pm -Rally at City Hall
5:30pm - March to City of Refuge,
1025 Howard Street
6pm - Doors open at City of Refuge
6:30pm - Celebrating our Present and Future Ceremonies
Keynote Speaker: Sylvia Guerrero
*Special performances by members of the transgender community. Visit https://tdor.eventbrite.com/ for more information.
Los Angeles:
West Hollywood Library Auto Court,
625 N. San Vicente
6:30 p.m. with a program to follow at 7
https://www.facebook.com/events/434561079923230/
Other Locations:
Visit www.transgenderdor.org for local events.