November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance. On this day we remember those who have lost their lives in the past year to acts of violence against the transgender community. Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1999. It was started by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender advocate who was creating a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman killed in 1998.
“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
How to Get Involved
You can honor Transgender Day of Remembrance by learning more about anti-transgender violence and transphobia. You can also attend vigil honoring the lives of transgender people whose lives were lost to violence. You can honor the spirit of the day and show support for the transgender community year-round by educating yourself on how you can be a better ally and support transgender rights.
Below are resources to learn more about the Transgender Day of Remembrance, becoming a better ally, and stopping acts of violence:
Supporting the Trans Community in Minnesota
There are many ways to support the transgender (trans) community in its quest for joy and liberation. The principles of disability justice remind us that all movements for liberation and freedom are connected. The Arc Minnesota supports the transgender community.
In Minnesota, there are several incredible organizations and events support trans community. Check them out here:
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- This great event provides resources and creates conversions around equity for the trans community
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- This clinic provides gender-affirming, accessible healthcare. They also provide their Health Education Program without cost to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities
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- Out Front provides legal assistance, advocacy, and resources to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community
