As a community that seeks to promote interfaith harmony, compassion, acceptance, and love, the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on November 20th is more than just a day of reflection—it is a call to action.
This solemn day honours the lives lost to violence and discrimination due to transphobia, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for dignity and safety for transgender individuals worldwide.
As interfaith ministers and members of the OneSpirit community, we are already beacons of hope, shining light in our communities. TDOR invites us to amplify that light by standing against hatred, spreading kindness, and advocating for justice.
Each name remembered in vigils represents a life that deserves to be lived authentically. By recognising these losses, we recommit ourselves to creating inclusive spaces where everyone is celebrated for who they are.
In the spirit of unity and peace, we invite you to join us in a prayer for those we have lost and for a world filled with acceptance:
“May the light of love and understanding guide us,
As we honour those who faced darkness and despair.
May we stand together, united in compassion,
Fostering a world where every heart is free to be.
In the name of all that is sacred,
We pray for peace, love, and justice for all.”
We encourage you to participate in local vigils, engage in conversations about transgender rights, and educate yourselves on the challenges faced by transgender individuals.
Together, let us take action to ensure every life is valued and no one is forgotten. As we honour those we have lost, we also strive to build a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
Here are some resources from the GSA Network:Â
What are the guiding principles of the Transgender Day of Remembrance?
- “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” (Santayana)
- All who die due to anti-transgender violence are to be remembered.
- It’s up to us to remember them, since their killers, law enforcement, and media often seek to erase their existence.
- We can make a difference by being visible, speaking out, educating and organizing around anti-transgender violence.
- Transgender lives are affirmed as valuable.
How do people honor TDOR?
- Candlelight Vigils/Marches
- Discussion forums with local activists, politicians, or school officials, teach-ins, or speaker bureaus
- Poetry or spoken word art readings
- Visual representation of the number of deaths (for example with flowers or body outline chalkings)
- Art/Photography Displays
- Transgender 101 trainings for staff or any interested people
