Transgender Day of Remembrance was started in 1999 as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The 1999 vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Hester's death. 21 years later, Transgender Day of Remembrance continues to acknowledge and honor all transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence.
"Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost," said Gwendolyn Ann Smith, advocate and founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance. "With so many seeking to erase transgender people -- sometimes in the most brutal ways possible -- it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice."
Portlanders can participate in Transgender Day of Remembrance by attending and/or organizing a vigil on Nov. 20 to honor transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence. Vigils are typically hosted by local transgender advocates or LGBTQ organizations, and held at community centers, parks, places of worship, and other venues. The vigil often involves reading a list of the names of those lost that year.
Resources for Trans & Nonbinary People
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Trans Lifeline also administers microgrants for trans and nonbinary people to support gender markers on identifying legal documents, streamline access to trans health care, and offer necessities for trans siblings behind bars. Learn more about their many microgrants available.
Trans Lifeline’s hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans and questioning peers. If you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not in crisis or if you’re not sure you’re trans call (877) 565-8860.
Transgender Depictions in Film, TV & Media
According to a study from GLAAD, 80% of Americans do not personally know someone who is transgender. This means most Americans get their information about transgender people through the media.
The DISCLOSURE documentary on Netflix invites that 80% to examine transgender depictions in film and television. DISCLOSURE shows audiences how decades-old stereotypes, memes, and tropes in media have shaped our understanding of trans issues today. And as a result, have formed the cultural narrative about transgender people, informing everything from dating and domestic violence, to school policy, and national legislation.
This November, we invite you watch this documentary and hear from leading trans thinkers and creatives, including Laverne Cox, Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford, Mj Rodriguez, Jamie Clayton, and Chaz Bono.
Want to Support Transgender Day of Remembrance?
You are invited to join the Q Center for food, speakers, and an interactive art display in which you can add pieces of colorful fabric, yarn, and other such items to a handmade loom. ASL Interpretation will be provided at the event by Fingers Crossed.
When: Friday, Nov. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Q Center, 4115 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217
For more info visit the event website or call 503-234-7837.