The Transgender Day of Remembrance remembers the lives of the people killed in the anti-trans violence (Picture: Hollie Adams/Getty Images)

Today, November 20, is Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), an annual event that commemorates the lives of transgender people lost to transphobic violence. 

It marks the end of Transgender Awareness Week which falls from November 13 to 19 every year.

Throughout the week, people and the community around the world participate in events to raise awareness about the transgender community and the issues faced by them.

They inform the public and educate them about the community by sharing their personal experiences and powerful videos on social media. 

However, years down the line, transgender history and issues are rarely taught in schools which still makes them a secluded part of our society. 

Here, we will delve into the past details due to which Remembrance day came into being and how one can be a part of it:

Why is Transgender Day Of Remembrance important?

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance to honour the memory of the transgender people who died in brutal acts of anti-transgender violence.

The transgender community and allies spread awareness about their rights and equality throughout Transgender Awareness Week (Picture: Getty Images)

It is the only annual event for LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer, non-binary, gender fluid, pansexual, asexual) and LGBTQQIP2SAA (Intersex, Pansexual, Two-spirit (2S), Androgynous and Asexual) that highlights the racism, sexism, discrimination, and harassment faced by them around the world.

According to Transrespect Versus Transphobia Worldwide (TvT), 375 trans and gender-diverse individuals were killed in 2021 which is also known as the ‘deadliest year on record for anti-trans homicides in the United States.’

Moreover, majority of the trans people especially women are at the highest risk of domestic violence and murder at the hands of their cis-gender or straight intimate partners. 

Amy Griffiths, a 51-year -old trans woman, described as a ‘hero of the LGBT+ community’ was brutally murdered by Martin Saberi in 2021 in Worcestershire, England.

When did it start and who founded it?

Dating back to 1999, the Transgender Day of Remembrance was started by a transgender advocate, Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour a black trans woman, Rita Hester who was murdered in her Boston apartment in 1998. 

It’s been 24 years, Hester’s are pestered by numerous reporters every year following the unfaithful day, and yet the horrific crime hasn’t been solved.

Gwendolyn Ann Smith, founder of the Transgender Day of Remembrance said: ‘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.’

How to participate in the vigil?

The vigils are often conducted by transgender and LGBTQ communities at gardens, parks, community centres, and places of worship in local areas.

It honours the lives of sex workers and people of colour lost to gender-based violence by reading their names out during the observance.

People are allowed to bring in flowers, candles, and cards, while others prefer to recite poems and speeches to show their love and support for the community.

This afternoon, a Trans Day Of Remembrance pre-vigil meet-up has been organised by London LGBTQ+ Community Centre at 2:30 pm at Soho Square.

While another vigil is held by Brighton & Hove City Council from 1pm to 4pm today in Jubilee Square, Brighton, BN1 1GE.

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The TDoR marks the only annual day of observance for trans and LGBTQ+ community.