What is Transgender Memorial Day and when did it start?

It marks the end of Transgender Awareness Week, which takes place on November 13-19 each year.

Throughout the week, people and the community around the world participate in events to raise awareness of the transgender community and the issues it faces.

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

However, years later, transgender history and issues are rarely taught in schools, which still makes it a secluded part of our society.

Here we will dive into the past details that made Remembrance Day come about and how to be a part of it:

Why is Transgender Memorial Day important?

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

According to Transrespect Versus Transphobia Worldwide (TvT), in 2021, also known as the “deadliest year on record for anti-trans killings in the United States,” 375 trans and gender-matched people were killed.

In addition, the majority of trans people, particularly women, are at the highest risk of domestic violence and homicide at the hands of their cis genders or intimate heterosexual partners.

Amy Griffiths, a 51-year-old trans woman who has been described as a “heroine of the LGBT+ community”, was brutally murdered by Martin Saberi in Worcestershire, England in 2021.

When did it start and who founded it?

Transgender Day of Remembrance dates back to 1999 and was started by a transgender advocate, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, as a vigil in honor of a black trans woman, Rita Hester, who was murdered in her Boston home in 1998.

It’s been 24 years, Hester has been harassed by numerous reporters every year after infidelity day, and yet the horrific crime has remained unsolved.

Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance, said: “Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bingoism and violence. The need to fight for our rights is no stranger to me, and the right to simply exist comes first.

“With so many trying to wipe out transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal of ways — it’s vital that we remember those we lose and that we continue to fight for justice.”

How can I take part in the vigil?

The vigils are often conducted by transgender and LGBTQ communities in area gardens, parks, community centers and places of worship.

It honors the lives of sex workers and people of color lost to gender-based violence by reading their names during the walkthrough.

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

This afternoon, a Meeting before the Trans Day of Remembrance vigil was organized by the London LGBTQ+ Community Center at 2:30pm in Soho Square.

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

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