What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Transgender Day of Rememberance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20th. Every year on this day, people honour the memory of the transgender people who were murdered as a result of transphobia. The day highlights the losses transgender individuals face due to anti-gender violence.
TDOR started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, who organised a vigial in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman killed in 1998.
Why is this day needed?
In the year ending March 2023, 4,732 hate crimes against transgender people were recorded in the UK - a rise of 11% compared to the previous year.
Trans and gender diverse people are 3 times more likely to die due to murder or suicide compared to cisgender men, and 5 times more likely to die from these causes compared to cisgender women.
Transgender-based hate crimes were less likely to result in a charge or court summons than hate crimes based on a person's religion, race or sexual orientation.
How can you get involved?
There are many ways you can get invoved in Transgender Day of Rememberance - why not try a few of these example:
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Connect with a local LGBTQIA+ group, including our own Solent Queer Society, and take part in events they run
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Spread the word about TDOR
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Support transgender people in the media or creative world, such as actors, artists, creators, musicians, dancers, etc
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Attend a vigil
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Educate yourself on transgender issues, terminology, and the importance of respecting gender identity
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Learn about the importance of different pronouns and why we should respect them
Further information and support
Check out these charities and organisations for more information and support on the trans community.
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Stonewall - Stonewall represents lesiban, gay, bi, trans, quwer, questioning and ace people everywhere. They campaign for positive change in public attitudes and public policy, and cotinually work towards enusring that the LGTBQ+ community can thrive throughout their lives.
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Beyond Reflections - They are a charity that supports transgender, non-binary and questioning adults by providing mental well-being support to the trans+ community. They are striving towards a world where they envision every gender-diverse person is free to be their authentic self.
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Mermaids UK - Mermaids supports transgender, non-binary and questioning adults through online communities, local community groups, helpline services, web resources, events, and much more.
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TransEDU - A group that provides resources and information for supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse applicants, students and staff in further and higher education.
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Gendered Intelligence - A registered charity, Gendered Intelligence helps to support and increase understanding of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people's quality of life. They do work in four key areas: public engagement, professional services, work in education, and youth and community services.
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Sparkle - The organisation that runs the worlds largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity, Sparkle organises annual events, communications, advocacy and art projects that promote a positive representation, awareness and acceptance of the trans, non-binary/genderfluid and intersex community.
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Naz and Matt Foundation - The Naz and Matt Foundation exists to support and help those in the LGBTQIA+ community resolve challenges linked to sexuality and gender-identity, particularly when religion is heavily influencing the situation.
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Black Trans Alliance - Black Trans Alliance is a black queer and trans led organisation that supports black trans and non-binary people. They do a lot of campaigning and have a massive impact on amplifyng the voices of the black queer and trans community in London and the surrounding areas.