Honoring Lives, Amplifying Voices: Transgender Day of Remembrance
"Name - unknown, age - unknown."
"Name - unknown, age - unknown."
"Name - unknown, age - unknown."
This year, 319 names—some without - were read aloud in the cathedral of an Episcopal church as the community gathered for the 25th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) in Boston. Each name represents a life cut short, often by violence rooted in transphobia, misogyny, and systemic oppression. And for every name read, countless others remain unspoken, their stories erased by a world that too often looks away.
TDOR was established following the unsolved 1998 murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman in Allston, Massachusetts. Over two decades later, Rita's tragic story remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice, particularly for transgender people of color.
This year’s events, organized by Chastity Bowick and a coalition of transgender-led advocates and community groups, were made even more powerful by the presence of legendary activist Miss Major, who delivered a stirring speech and received an award for her lifetime of service to the transgender community. Many other incredible recipients were also honored for their tireless work to uplift and support transgender individuals. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley among staff of the Office of LGBTQIA2S Advancement were also honored and delivered inspiring speeches, reaffirming their commitment to fighting for equity, inclusion, and safety for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. On Wednesday, November 20, 2024 the City of Boston will officially declare November 20th as Trans Day of Remembrance, a historic and meaningful step in recognizing and supporting the transgender community.
A Call for Justice and Change
The numbers are stark, but behind every statistic is a person: someone with dreams, families, and communities who grieve their loss. In the U.S. and globally, the violence disproportionately affects trans women of color, who are often at the intersection of racism, sexism, and transphobia. Poverty, lack of housing, and systemic barriers further increase vulnerability, perpetuating cycles of violence and exclusion.
But TDOR is more than a day of remembrance; it is a day to renew our collective commitment to creating a safer, more equitable world for transgender and gender-diverse people.
How to Take Action
Honoring the lives lost must go hand-in-hand with fighting for the living. Here are tangible ways to show up for the transgender community this TDOR and beyond:
1. Support Trans-Led Organizations: Organizations providing housing, healthcare, legal aid, and advocacy for trans individuals are lifelines. Consider donating to Boston-based organizations such as:
Chastity’s Consulting and Talent Group
Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC)
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
2. Amplify Trans Voices: Use your platform to share the stories, art, and activism of transgender individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.
3. Advocate for Policy Change: Advocate for comprehensive anti-discrimination protections, increased funding for LGBTQIA+ programs, and the preservation of access to gender-affirming care.
4. Commit to Learning: Deepen your understanding of the systemic barriers transgender people face and share this knowledge within your circles. Challenging ignorance and bias starts with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
5. Challenge Transphobia in All Forms: Commit to standing against transphobia in your workplace, community, and personal relationships.
Looking Forward
This 25th annual TDOR comes at a time when the transgender community is facing heightened fear and uncertainty in the wake of recent elections. Across the nation, anti-trans legislation and rhetoric have escalated, leaving many in the community—and their allies—wondering what the future holds. Transgender and gender-diverse people are not only navigating systemic violence and discrimination but also the weight of policies and political movements that threaten their basic rights and access to healthcare, education, and safety.
This fear is real and justified, but so is the strength and resilience of the trans community and its supporters. Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds us that we must not only honor the memory of those we’ve lost but also fight relentlessly for those who are still here. It is a call to action for every ally, advocate, and policymaker to rise against this tide of hate and work toward justice and equity.
For every name read aloud, and for every name that remains unknown, we must continue to fight.
