The week building up to November 20 is Trans Awareness Week which ends with the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
Individuals and organizations around the country will participate in Trans Awareness Week to help raise the visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming people, and address the issues the community faces. It’s a time for trans and non-binary people and their allies to take action and bring attention to the community by educating folks, and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that trans people face.
TDOR was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. A day to honour those lost to anti-trans violence and to continue the fight for justice.
How to Participate in TDOR
This year’s ceremonies have moved online on November 20th so that we may honour and remember those lost while looking after one and other during Covid.
In Brandon
- A Candlelight Vigil will happen through Zoom from 7:00-8:00 pm. To register reach out to Racheal, SERC’s 2STLGBQ+ Program Facilitator, at rachealw@serc.mb.ca. For more info follow @tdorbrandon on Facebook
In Winnipeg
- 2Spirit Transgender Day of Remembrance starts online at 7:30 pm. Contact twospiritedmanitoba@hotmail.com for more info
