November 19, 2020
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR)

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is an observance that takes place every year on November 20th that seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. 
TDoR has been observed internationally since November 20, 1999 and was founded by Gwendolyn Ann Smith. Smith wanted to bring awareness to the murder of Rita Hester and to all of the people who have been killed because of transgender prejudice.

Rita Hester was a transgender African American woman who was murdered in Allston, Massachusetts. Her murder, like so many hate crimes against transgender people, received no coverage in the media. The killing of Hester reflects the disproportionate instances of violence against transgender women of color, specifically Black and Latinx.   
TDoR raises public awareness to the violence and bigotry that transgender people experience. This day helps us mourn and honor those who have been forgotten, ignored, and disregarded. It brings us together to demonstrate our love and respect for our loved ones in the face of antipathy. The Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we’re not just part of the community -- we are your family, friends, and neighbors. It gives our allies a chance to step forward and stand in solidarity with us, memorializing those of us who’ve died at the hands of transphobic violence.
TDoR activities include candlelight vigils, dedicated church services, marches, art shows, food drives and film screenings. 

As human beings, it is imperative that we boldly, loudly and publicly speak out against violence and hate anywhere we see it.

Concurrently, as we honor those we have lost, we must use this as an opportunity to strongly recommit to the inclusion of our transgender community, to provide education to those who still lack the understanding necessary to be good allies, and to advocate for protections at all levels of government:

#DEIatCTI #tdor #transgenderdayofremembrance #lgbt #transgender #transgenderday
 

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