Transgender Day of Remembrance

As November approaches, so does a day of both reflection and action: Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR). Observed annually on November 20th, TDoR serves as a solemn occasion to honor the lives of transgender individuals lost to violence and discrimination.

Transgender Day of Remembrance:

The origins of Transgender Day of Remembrance trace back to 1998 when Rita Hester, a transgender woman, was tragically murdered in Massachusetts. Out of this tragedy, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender advocate, organized a vigil to commemorate not only Rita’s life but also the countless others who had lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. This vigil marked the beginning of what would become an internationally recognized day of remembrance and action.

Why do we commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance?

The answer is transgender individuals face disproportionately high rates of violence, discrimination, and marginalization. According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 44 transgender or gender non-conforming individuals were fatally shot or killed by other violent means in 2020 alone. These individuals were someone’s child, sibling, friend, or loved one, and their lives were cut short simply because of who they were.

Supporting Pittsburgh Transgender Organizations

In Pittsburgh, there are several organizations that focus on supporting and advocating for the transgender community. Here are a few examples:

TransPride Pittsburgh: TransPride Pittsburgh is a grassroots organization that aims to empower transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in the Pittsburgh area. They provide support groups, social events, and resources to promote community building and advocacy.

Persad Center: While not exclusively focused on transgender issues, PERSAD Center is a LGBTQ+ community center that offers counseling, support groups, and advocacy services to individuals in the Pittsburgh region. They provide affirming and inclusive support to transgender individuals and their families. A division of PERSAD Center, Persad Transgender Services offers specialized support and resources tailored to the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. They provide counseling, hormone therapy, support groups, and referrals to other services.

The Pittsburgh Equality Center: Formerly known as the Pittsburgh Lesbian & Gay Community Center, The Pittsburgh Equality Center serves as a hub for LGBTQ+ resources, support, and advocacy in the Pittsburgh area. They offer programming, events, and support services for transgender individuals and their allies.

Dreams of Hope:  Dreams of Hope is a LGBTQ+ arts organization that provides a safe and affirming space for young people, including transgender youth, to express themselves through the arts. They offer programs such as youth theater, creative writing, and visual arts workshops.

If you are not local to the Pittsburgh area here are a few examples of national transgender organizations:

National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE): NCTE is a leading social justice advocacy organization that works to advance the rights and equality of transgender people in the United States. They focus on policy advocacy, public education, and building community partnerships to promote transgender rights and visibility.

GLAAD:  While not exclusively focused on transgender issues, GLAAD (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) works to amplify the voices of transgender individuals in media and entertainment, advocate for accurate and inclusive representation, and combat stereotypes and discrimination.

Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is a nonprofit organization that provides direct support to transgender people in crisis, including a hotline staffed by transgender volunteers. They offer emotional support, resources, and referrals to transgender individuals in need, with a focus on promoting mental health and well-being.

The Trevor Project : While primarily known for its work with LGBTQ+ youth, The Trevor Project provides support and resources to transgender and gender-questioning young people through its crisis intervention services, online community, and suicide prevention programs.

These organizations play a crucial role in supporting and advocating for transgender individuals and communities, but there are many more organizations at local, national, and international levels working toward similar goals. Transgender Day of Remembrance is a reminder that the fight for transgender rights and equality is far from over and that each of us has a role to play in creating a more just and inclusive world for all.