Why the Trans Day of Remembrance Is So Important

Not everyone realizes the importance of November 20, but it is Transgender Remembrance Day. This is an annual opportunity to remember and honor the memory of transgender people lost to violence. Of course, it’s important to do this more than once a year, but using November 20 to reflect and mourn the loss of trans people, most often trans women of color, is a great way to reduce ignorance, share accurate information and show support and loyalty.

awareness promotion

Consciousness is indeed fundamental. Since 2013, more than 300 transgender and gender non-conforming people have been murdered in the United States alone. 2021 was the deadliest year on record, but violence against transgender people tends to go unreported, so the actual number killed was likely even higher. As a way to recognize them and say their names, take a look at the list the Human Rights Campaign guards those who have been killed.

Reasons for hope

Fortunately, there are reasons to be hopeful. The days leading up to Trans Memory Day make up Trans Awareness Week, which is a week dedicated to uplifting and celebrating the trans community. Some recent steps forward are below.

In April 2022, the US Department of State began allowing citizens to select an “X” as the gender marker on passports, not just M (for men) or F (for women). The United States joins countries like Australia, Canada and India with this step.

The US Department of Health and Human Services now also has a website designed to support LGBTQ+ health and wellness.

Building a Better Future

These are all steps in the right direction, but there is more work to be done. There are multiple ways advocates and allies can help.

You can attend or help organize a vigil for lives lost to anti-trans violence.

You can support trans teens at your school, who are in an increased risk of being bullied or harassed. By showing kindness, compassion, and support, you can make a positive difference. Do you want to hear more? check this out helpful guide to be an ally to trans and non-binary youth.

Finally, if you are trans and need to talk to someone or know someone who is trans, there are resources. He Project Trevor is excellent, for example, and focuses on young people.

Honoring the memory of those lost to violence against transgender people is crucial. By saying their names, encouraging trans voices, and increasing visibility and awareness, we hope to help prevent more lives from being lost to violence against transgender people.

Photo by mercedes mehling in Unsplash