Transgender Day of Remembrance: 25 Years of Honouring, Reflecting, and Advocating
Every year on November 20th, we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) to honour the lives of transgender people who have been lost to transphobic violence and discrimination. Established in 1999, TDOR was created to commemorate Rita Hester, a Black trans woman who was murdered in her Boston apartment in 1998. Since then, TDOR has become an internationally recognized day of reflection - a moment to mourn, honour and remember those we have lost, while also reminding ourselves of the resilience and strength within the trans community.
As we mark the 25th anniversary of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) in 2024, it is crucial to recognize the ongoing challenges faced by the trans community today. This year alone, at least 30 transgender people have been murdered in the United States due to transphobic violence. At the same time, a record-breaking number of anti-trans bills have been introduced - of which 45 have been passed and 125 are still pending. However, this is not only confined to the US; the rights and safety of trans people are under threat worldwide. In the face of increasing transphobic violence and discrimination, TDOR serves as a critical reminder that we cannot let those who have been killed be forgotten, and how we must continue to raise awareness and advocate for justice, equality, and safety for all trans people.
The systemic issues that disproportionately impact the most vulnerable within the trans community cannot be ignored when discussing Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). Trans women of colour make up 78% of those killed by transphobic violence, highlighting the deadly intersection of racism, misogyny, and transphobia that drives these acts. But physical violence is just one aspect of the challenges faced by transgender people, especially transgender women of colour. Barriers to healthcare, inadequate mental health support, employment discrimination, and the global surge of anti-trans legislation all contribute to the violence directed at the trans community. This violence is not random or isolated; it is a direct consequence of systems that continue to marginalize and dehumanize transgender people. The fight for trans rights is inextricably linked to broader struggles for racial justice, gender equality, and human rights and ultimately, the challenges faced by the trans community cannot be eradicated without dedicated and active support from allies.
What can you do?
Allyship is not passive, but a continual, active process. Here’s how you can show up for the trans community:
Get Educated
Real allyship begins with learning. Read books by trans authors, listen to trans voices through podcasts and social media and stay informed about the challenges they face.
Model Your Allyship
Normalize introducing your pronouns and asking for others’. This small act can make a big difference in creating a more inclusive environment.
Continually work on unpacking your biases, reflecting on how you can best show up for trans people in everyday situations.
Support trans-led organizations that provide vital resources, from healthcare to legal support - these organizations are often key in addressing the systemic barriers that make it so difficult for trans people to thrive. Contribute however you can, whether that is through donations, volunteer work, or simply amplifying their messages.
Address Transphobia
Whether it is correcting someone who misgenders a trans person or calling out a transphobic joke, addressing transphobia matters. However, approach it with empathy - people are more receptive when we avoid shame and focus on creating understanding instead. Support others in educating themselves, while also staying committed to your own learning journey.
Focus on Impact
You don’t have to take on the world alone! Your greatest impact will often be in your immediate circles - whether that is your family, friends or workplace. Educate, support and help those around you grow in their understanding.
As we mark Transgender Day of Remembrance this year, we not only mourn those we have lost to transphobic violence - we remember that these individuals were so much more than statistics. They were people with dreams, aspirations and futures that they should have had the chance to live. Every life mattered. It is our collective responsibility to ensure no one else is killed simply for being who they are. TDOR is not just about looking back and reflecting on the past - it is about committing to a future where no one has to live in fear because of their gender identity. It is about honouring the memory of those we have lost by fighting for the living. Together, we can create a world where every trans person is safe, respected and free to thrive.
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2024 - In loving memory of those lost to transphobic violence this year, as well as those whose stories remain unreported:
Kitty Monroe - 43 years old. January 1, 2024.
Kitty, who also went by the name Marcos, was known for a love of art, music and witty sense of humour.
Sasha Williams - 36 years old. January 26, 2024
Sasha dreamed of being a performer in Las Vegas. She was described by friends and family as incredibly selfless with a heart of gold.
África Parrilla García - 25 years old. February 2, 2024.
África was a loved member of her community and described as being “like a sister” by her friends. África was repeatedly misgendered and deadnamed in the reports from news outlets and police information.
Reyna Hernandez - 54 years old. February 26, 2024.
Reyna fulfilled her childhood dream of moving to the US and owned a hair salon. She was known as a hard-working, loving dreamer with a kind heart.
Righteous TK “Chevy” Hill - 35 years old. February 28, 2024.
Chevy was a much loved advocate for Black LGBTQ+ inclusion, an inclusive business owner and community builder.
Diamond Brigman - 26 years old. March 16, 2024.
Diamond was very loved and described by her friends as having a lot of energy and always smiling.
Alex Taylor Franco - 21 years old. March 17, 2024.
Alex was adored by his friends and family, who described him as athletic, cheerful and big-hearted.
Meraxes Medina - 24 years old. March 21, 2024.
Meraxes was a talented make-up artist with big dreams for her future. Her friends describe her as being like a sister.
Yella Clark Jr - 45 years old. April 2 2024.
Yella was known for being loyal and trustworthy by their friends. Yella was repeatedly misgendered in media and police reports following their death.
Tee “Lagend Billions” Arnold - 36 years old. April 3, 2024.
Tee was known for his love of travel, time with family and for being a source of encouragement and kindness to anyone who needed it.
River Nevaeh Goddard - 17 years old. April 5, 2024.
River was described by friends and family as a goofy, quick-witted and incredibly creative person with a great love of music.
Starr Brown - 28 years old. April 19, 2024.
Starr was a deeply loved member of her community. She was described as a beautiful soul by those that knew her.
Andrea Doria Dos Passos - 37 years old. April 23, 2024
Andrea was a vocal part of the local LGBTQ+ community. She was described as “our whole world” by loved ones.
Kita Bee - 46 years old. May 3, 2024.
Kita was described as being well loved by the LGBTQ+ local community and recognised for being very bold and an all-round entertainer.
Jazlynn Johnson - 18 years old. May 6, 2024.
Jazlynn had hopes for the future and was described as beautiful and energetic.
Brandon "Tayy Dior" Thomas - 17 years old. May 7, 2024.
Tayy’s family described her as fearless, always smiling and ready to help anyone who needed it.
Michelle Henry - 25 years old. May 17, 2024.
Michelle was an active member of her local LGBTQ+ community and was described as kind, courageous and fearless by loved ones.
Liara Tsai - 35 years old. June 2022, 2024.
Liara was a beloved activist and artist who had recently relocated to live in a new city in order to pursue her dream career as a DJ.
Pauly Likens - 14 years old. June 25, 2024.
Pauly dreamed of growing up to become a park ranger and was known for having a contagious laugh.
Kenji Spurgeon - 23 years old. July 1, 2024.
Kenji was much loved and known for her infectious smile and quick wit.
Shannon Boswell - 30 years old. July 2, 2024.
Shannon was described as “one of a kind” by loved ones. She was known for always being there when needed, always ready to live life to the fullest and as someone who adored being around other people.
Monique Brooks - 49 years old. July 19, 2024.
Monique is remembered as a talented hair stylist, a selfless friend and an active member of the LGBTQ+ community in her area. She is described as fun-loving, fearless and incredibly loved.
Dylan Gurley - 20 years old. July 23, 2024.
Dylan was close with her family and was a loved member of the community. Following her death, Dylan was misgendered in both the media and her medical report.
Vanity Williams - 34 years old. August 3, 2024.
Vanity was an Air Force veteran who was passionate about lifting the voices of Black women. She had recently gone back to school to pursue nursing with dreams of opening a med-spa.
Tai’Vion Lathan - 24 years old. August 4th, 2024.
Tai was adored by family and friends alike. She was described as outgoing and a real sweetheart by loved ones.
Kassim Omar - 29 years old. September 6, 2024.
Kassim arrived in the US as a refugee from Somalia who fled in the face of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in her home country. She was known as a hard worker, working towards the goal of bringing her family to join her in the US.
Redd, also known as Barbie - 25 years old. September 8, 2024.
Redd was a beloved friend and member of her family. She was known as fun, bubbly and had dreams of opening her own beauty business.
Honee Daniels - 37 years old. October 2, 2024.
Honee was known for her charming personality and distinct ability to make friends with anyone she met. She loved superhero movies and adored doing people’s make-up. Honee was misgendered several times in media and police reports following her death.
Santonio “San” Coleman - 48 years old. October 19th, 2024.
San was deeply loved and had a very close bond with their sister and mother. San was known for being both incredibly generous and the life of the party.
Quanesha Shantel - 26 years old. November 15th, 2024.
Quanesha, known as Cocoa to her friends, has been described as radiant and full of joy by her friends, family and loved ones. She had recently enrolled in nursing school and had big dreams for her future.