Honoring Lives and Fighting for Justice: Transgender Day of Remembrance
I spend my days helping people find clarity, peace, and strength in a world that often seems intent on throwing obstacles in their way. But there are days when the weight of systemic injustices feels heavy, even as we strive to hold onto hope. November 20th, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), is one of those days—a solemn yet profoundly important moment to honor lives lost and reaffirm our collective commitment to a more just world.
A Brief History
Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1999, initiated by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith. It was a response to the brutal murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman killed in Massachusetts the year prior. Her death, like so many others in the trans community, was met with indifference by mainstream media. Smith’s effort to shine a light on this neglect evolved into an annual observance to honor those who have died due to anti-transgender violence.
Since its inception, TDOR has grown into a global event, a day when communities gather to remember the names and stories of those lost and to demand systemic changes to combat hatred and violence against transgender individuals.
Why We Remember
Transgender Day of Remembrance is not just a time to reflect on lives lost—it’s a call to action. According to recent studies, the rates of violence against transgender individuals, particularly Black and Latinx trans women, remain appallingly high. These acts of violence aren’t isolated incidents; they are the result of societal transphobia, systemic inequality, and a lack of comprehensive protections.
By remembering, we refuse to let these lives become statistics. We humanize the victims, reclaim their dignity, and hold society accountable for the structures and attitudes that perpetuate harm.
Ceremonies in Texas This Year
Texas, like much of the country, continues to grapple with its relationship to the trans community. Amid legislative battles and public debates, many organizations across the state are hosting ceremonies and events to mark TDOR, fostering spaces of solidarity and hope:
- Candlelight Vigils Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston will host candlelight vigils to honor the lives lost. These quiet, reflective gatherings often include reading the names of transgender individuals who have died over the past year.
- Community Art Displays In San Antonio, local artists are collaborating on installations that highlight the beauty and resilience of the trans community. Art, as always, serves as a powerful medium for healing and resistance.
- Panel Discussions and Workshops In Houston, community centers are hosting educational panels and workshops aimed at addressing systemic transphobia and promoting allyship. These events are as much about learning as they are about healing.
- Faith-Based Services In Fort Worth, several affirming churches are holding interfaith services, welcoming individuals of all spiritual backgrounds to come together in solidarity and prayer.
- Marches and Rallies Advocacy groups in Austin and Dallas are organizing marches to demand stronger protections for the trans community. These rallies blend remembrance with a clear call for justice.
How You Can Honor the Day
You don’t have to attend a public event to observe TDOR. Light a candle at home. Educate yourself about the struggles the trans community faces and the ways you can be an ally. Speak the names of those lost and hold them in your heart.
Above all, commit to being part of the change. The fight for justice doesn’t end on November 20th—it’s a lifelong effort to dismantle harmful systems and build a world where every person can live openly and without fear.
Let us use this day to write a new story, one where compassion is the norm, and love wins over hate. Let us remember, let us honor, and let us act.