Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20, 2024

For generations, transgender people have suffered various forms of abuse (and even death) for challenging the views, notions, and stereotypes around “male” and “female” identity. Every year we set aside November 20 as a Transgender Day of Remembrance. This holiday is meant to honor, commemorate, and memorialize those who face discrimination and stigma (often on a daily basis) across the nation. This holiday is also meant to focus on the persistent struggles transgender people face in their everyday lives, and how others can share their love, support, and hope.

Transgender Day of Remembrance timeline

2010

Transgender Day was globally recognized

The day was observed in more than 185 cities across more than 20 countries.

1999

Transgender Day was founded

Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in order to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman.

1975

Minneapolis led the way

Minneapolis became the first U.S. city to pass a law prohibiting the discrimination of transgender people.

3 Inspiring Transgender Celebrities

Caitlyn Jenner

Jenner's not just the star of the reality show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." She's also an Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete who reshaped the transgender movement.

Carmen Carrera

Carrera's a burlesque and drag performer who has appeared on RuPaul's "Drag Race," as well as "Cake Boss," and "Real Housewives of New York City." She's petitioning to become Victoria Secret's first transgender model.

Laverne Cox

Cox is the first trans woman of color to play a leading role in a mainstream scripted television show. She's a two-time Emmy nominee for "Outstanding Guest Actress" in the Netflix hit "Orange Is The New Black."

How to Observe Transgender Day of Remembrance

Attend candlelight vigils, food drives, and film screenings

A vigil enables you and your peers to honor those who lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. You can also start up a food drive to raise money and awareness for the transgender community.

March on

One of the best ways to raise money and show support is to participate in a marathon or walk-a-thon that contributes to the transgender cause.

Support transgender rights groups

They include The Audre Lorde Project, Casa Ruby, Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement and more. Research groups in your area that support the LGBTQ+ community, and encourage others to donate as well.

Why Transgender Day of Remembrance is Important

It's a time for reflection

The day encourages us to stop and reflect on the transgender community — specifically the abuse many of them face as they attempt to lead their everyday lives. It's also meant to help spark transgender advocacy, support, and change across the U.S.

It encourages empathy

This day offers the opportunity for others to better understand the stigma, discrimination and barriers that many transgender people face. This understanding can lead to deeper empathy, and can remind us that we are all more alike than we are different.