Transgender Day of Remembrance

I have TDoR marked on my calendar each year and every year I struggle with what to say about it. The awareness that our community is affected by anti-trans violence at a significantly higher rate than non-trans individuals sits heavy with me all year.

For those unfamiliar with the history of TDoR, it was created back in 1999 by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a trans woman who was killed in 1998. The event is usually held now at the end of Trans Awareness Week, which highlights topics that directly impact the community. Since its inception back in the late 90s, vigils are now hosted annually around the world. The format varies a bit, but an important part of the event includes the reading of names of those trans individuals who lost their lives due to anti-trans violence in the past year. The list grows longer each year and as community members, we should be using every ounce of our privilege to protect trans people (whether from personal discrimination or wider systemic discrimination).

Today we grieve. Today we rage on behalf of those whose lives ended too soon. Today we hold space for our trans family and friends who may be experiencing collective grief.

Below are the names of the 71 trans and non-binary individuals who were killed this past year in the US due to anti-trans violence. Sit with each name. Speak them out loud.

Today, today we grieve. But tomorrow – tomorrow, I will be ready to push ahead and fight for those I love.