November 20th: Transgender Day of Remembrance – A Day of Remembrance and Action
On November 20th, we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), honouring the 350 lives of transgender, gender non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks who have lost their lives in 2024 due to anti-trans violence. It’s a day to reflect on the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by our community and to recommit to creating a more just and equitable world. We cannot overstate the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Why We Remember
TDOR is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the trans community. By remembering those we’ve lost, we acknowledge the immense impact of transphobia and the urgent need for systemic change.
How You Can Honour Trans Lives And Actions Allies Can Take
One way to demonstrate support is to use inclusive language and respect people’s pronouns and chosen names. Pronouns affirm gender identities and create safe spaces by referring to people in the way that feels most accurate to them. If you are an ally, take the step now to include your pronouns in your email signatures, on your social media profiles and when introducing yourself. This helps to give trans individuals the freedom to be their whole selves.
Educate yourself. Visit our blog and our resources page for accurate information on how to stand in solidarity with the trans community. We don’t know what we don’t know. Seek out credible sources of information, such as Trans Care BC . We are proud to support their #weareallies project, which helps to dispel misinformation and share lived experiences with folks.
Volunteer with or Donate to organizations that advocate for the transgender, gender non-binary and gender non-conforming community. You can donate to Advocacy Canada here or contact us to volunteer!
Speak Out Against Transphobia. Challenge transphobic language and behaviour, online, in addition to offline. If you see it or hear it, take the step to address it. Explain why it is harmful or offensive.
You can join a TDOR vigil or event, either in person or online. Advocacy Canada will host a candlelight vigil tonight in Kelowna. More information can be found on the events page.
A Statement from Wilbur Turner on Transgender Day of Remembrance
Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honour the lives of those who were tragically taken from us simply for living authentically. Their deaths are a stark reminder of the violence and discrimination that trans people face every day. The 350 deaths reported mark a significant increase over last year, a stark reminder that the issue with violence against trans people isn’t being solved.
Let us remember their names and the lives they lived. May their stories inspire us to fight for a world where everyone is free to be themselves, without fear or prejudice. Let us commit to educating ourselves and our communities about the challenges faced by trans people and taking on the real work of impactful change. Our focus needs to be on supporting the trans community while working to combat the agenda of the anti-gender and anti-rights movements.
Join us at Stuart Park on November 20th at 7pm for a candlelight vigil to remember and honour the lives of those we’ve lost.
#TDOR, #TransLivesMatter, #TransRightsAreHumanRights
