Transgender Day of Remembrance

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), held annually on November 20th, is a day in which groups across the world gather to remember those who have been brutally murdered due to anti-trans violence. During this time, we also recognize the disproportionate impact of this violence on trans women of color.

The American Medical Association described the violence against the transgender community as an epidemic. Fatal transgender violence is on the rise and Black Trans* women are reported to be killed at higher numbers. Transgender Day of Remembrance affords people of faith and conscience an opportunity to be in solidarity with the transgender community as they honor the lives and memory of those lost due to senseless violence.

People of faith and conscience can honor this day by attending local Transgender Day of Remembrance vigils and bearing witness, offering their sanctuary to transgender community groups seeking a space to hold a vigil, recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance during a worship service (either with a moment of silence or by crafting the entire service around this theme), and more.

Vigil Resources

• 4 Reasons You Should Not Host a Transgender Day of Remembrance. This resource encourages us to center and support Trans* Leadership.

• Toolkit for faith communities planning a Transgender Day of Remembrance service from Transfaith and the Trans People of Color Coalition

• “Tips for Hosting a Successful Day of Remembrance Event” from the Remembering Our Dead web project

• A short history of Trans Day of Remembrance from Monica Roberts

• List of trans* people who have been reported murdered, compiled by the Trans Murder Monitoring Project

• Current Report of the State of Transgender People in the United States from HRC

• Sample opening remarks

• Sample prayers:

  • “Transgender Day of Remembrance in Four Voices“ by Rev. Jude Geiger

  • “WE PRAY: Prayers To and For the Transgender Community,” compiled by Andy Coate

• Suggested hymns:

  • “Comfort Me” (#1002 in Singing the Journey)

  • “Go Lifted Up” (#1057 in Singing the Journey)

• Suggested readings:

  • Reading #429 (from Singing the Living Tradition)

  • Reading #453 (from Singing the Living Tradition)

• Reflections:

  • 30 Days of Trans Resilience by Get EQUAL

  • “What if Living Authentically Could Cost You Your Life?” by Rev. Paul Langston-Daley

• Resources for The Welcoming Congregations of Unitarian Universalism (and other open and affirming faith-based institutions)

• Living the Five Practices of Welcome Renewal is the most immediate opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to have an impact on the trans/non-binary community. Please visit the following resource links to insure our congregations are spiritual sanctuaries for all queer and trans folx, but especially trans women of color.

• Transforming Hearts Collective’s Transgender Inclusion in Congregations

• Treasure: From Tragedy to Trans Justice Mapping a Detroit Story (2015) - Download Treasure Discussion Questions

• Pay It No Mind - The Life and Times of Marsha P. Johnson (2012) (View on YouTube) - Download Pay It No Mind Discussion Questions

• After Marriage Equality Book Series - This collection presents some of the first works of empirical scholarship and first-hand observation to assess the realities of queer families, communities, and movements after same-sex marriage. Additionally, the collection draws from critical and intersectional perspectives to explore the questions and issues facing the next chapter of LGBTQ activism and social movement work.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need assistance with hosting an event in your community, contact love@uua.org.

* – “Trans*” is an all-inclusive, umbrella term that refers to all of the non-normative identities within the gender identity spectrum. Check out this article to learn more.