Today, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) honors transgender individuals lost to anti-trans violence, shining a spotlight on a crisis that continues to affect the community nationwide.
Tekla Taylor, public education specialist at Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) and author of the organization’s new report on violence against trans people, spoke about the findings and the importance of remembering those lost. A4TE is also hosting an online vigil with GLAAD to honor lives lost and uplift trans communities.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance started in 1999,” Taylor said. “Trans communities were responding to the murders of Rita Hester and Chanel Pickett… Gwendolyn Ann Smith started the Remembering Our Dead web project to make sure we’re not forgotten.”
The new report reveals stark realities. “Almost all of the trans women of color we lost this year were killed by gun violence,” Taylor said. “Thirty percent were lost to intimate partner violence. This violence is intimate—but it’s also fueled by disinformation from powerful platforms and leaders.”
Taylor also highlighted systemic failures in policing and public safety. “We lost two trans people who were shot by police… what they really needed was help. Their lives might have been saved if their safety had been taken seriously.”
Federal policy continues to challenge the community. “These basic needs—accurate documentation, respect, safety—are under attack,” Taylor said, referencing restrictions on passports, military service, and sports participation for trans Americans. “This administration is using trans people to enforce a harmful, restrictive vision of gender.”
Despite these threats, Taylor expressed hope in the resilience of trans communities. “Trans people have always been here… and now, for the first time in history, we have supportive parents at scale. That gives me enormous hope.”
The online vigil begins tonight at 6 p.m. ET, featuring trans elders, youth, supportive parents, and community advocates. Taylor urged both trans individuals and allies to attend.
“For folks who want to take action beyond attending, donate to trans-led organizations, push back against anti-trans rhetoric, and share stories at transrememberance.org,” Taylor said. “Make sure their names are said and their stories are not forgotten.”
Locally, the Trans Support Initiative of Sullivan and Wayne Counties hosts an interfaith memorial service at 6:30 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Callicoon, NY. More at transsupportinitiativenypa.org.
For additional resources, visit transequality.org and glaad.org.