Today, Weds November 20, marks the 25th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Twenty five years ago, a small group of activists held a vigil to remember trans lives, touching the community and marking a yearly tradition to honor trans lives lost. Now, each year we gather to commemorate the trans lives stolen too soon, and tell the stories of fallen trans folks. We come together today to mourn and memorialize our lost loved ones, and to reiterate that trans lives are not forgotten.
Today we remember the lives of trans people who have been victims of hate and violence, as well as those who we have lost to suicide. These stories resonate with so many, especially in today's anti-trans political climate. Trans and gender-diverse people are now navigating systemic violence and discrimination, under the weight of policies and political movements that threaten their basic rights and access to healthcare, education and safety.
Since its launch in 2008, the Trans Murder Monitoring Project has reported 2024 as one of the highest death tolls to date, with 350 reported murders between September 2023 and November 2024. The majority of victims were Black and trans women of color, and trans sex workers. The 2024 Trans Remembrance Project Report reads,
"Black trans women are more than the victims of anti-trans violence; they have always been at the forefront of the movement – building community, advocating for policy change, and organizing to protect our rights. The ways in which Black, indigenous, and other people of color’s lives and identities are policed both in a social and literal sense compound the discrimination they face and are inextricably entwined with their transness."
The devastating rise in anti-trans violence underscores the effects of transphobic rhetoric in politics and media. It also highlights the urgent need for solidarity, community, and political action.
Remembrance alone isn't enough. In order to truly honor trans lives, we must commit to action and community.
History and present-day both show us that attacks on the trans community harm everyone. We have entered a new chapter of advocacy - trans lives are now more visible than ever, and living loudly has become increasingly dangerous.
The 25th Transgender Day of Remembrance comes at a time when the trans community is facing heightened fear and uncertainty in the wake of the recent elections. Anti-trans rhetoric and legislation have escalated, leaving many in the community wondering what the future holds. Across the nation, anti-trans candidates have been elected in many states, including blue states - New York (NY), Nevada (NV), Florida (FL), Michigan (MI), Montana (MT), California (CA), Virginia (VA), Pennsylvania (PA), Alaska (AK) and Arizona (AZ). Knowing where they are can tell us a lot about who's affected. Get involved with organizers on the ground, especially in these states.
Trans Day of Remembrance reminds us that we must fight relentlessly for those who are still here. It is a call to action for every ally, advocate, and policymaker to rise above the hate and work towards justice. Show up for events, light a candle at a vigil, and amplify trans voices everyday.
TAP IN: Organizations and Resources
- Anti-Violence Project
- International Transgender Day of Remembrance
- National Center for Transgender Equality
- Sylvia Rivera Law Project
- Trans Women of Color Collective
- Transgender Europe’s Trans Murder Monitoring Project
- Transgender Law Center
- TransJustice at the Audre Lorde Project
SAY THEIR NAMES: Honoring Lives Lost This Year
Each name on this domestic list represents a life cut short, often by violence rooted in transphobia, misogyny and systemic oppression. For every name read, and for every name unknown: we will continue to fight.
Rest in Power
- Savannah Williams
- Bernardo Panteleon
- Pepper Mychel Peterson
- Mariah Ruby Rachel Williams
- F. L. “Bubba” Copeland
- Lola Laperla Ebony McDaniels
- Shandon Floyd
- Tiesha McFarland
- Kejuan Richardson
- Amiri Jean Reid
- Mya Finch
- Travis Stimeling
- Demita Jo Armstrong
- Onteris Owens-Campbell
- Jesse Viviano White
- Star Possum
- Jermaine Golden
- Meghan Riley Lewis
- Zoey Flye
- Madison Montana
- Care Hansen
- Amber Minor
- Ashlei Jasmine Colgate-Edwards
- Fleetwood Mars Mozee
- Shelby “Lexus” Riddick-Walker
- Kimbella Blackshear
- Easley Jeffcoat
- Tripp Schultz
- Lady Fabian Sanchez
- James Moen
- Dana Randolph “Desiree A. DeMornay”
- Quin Joy
- Sasha Williams
- Jennell Jaquays
- Sarina Mihailoff
- Sasha Washington-Cohen “Sasha Fierce”
- Guelila “Gigi” Iyob
- Videl Lombardo
- Savannah Rose Rivers Amore
- Kathy “Otter” Ottersten
- Robin Valentina
- Forrest Douglas Buckley
- Giselle Stone
- Tristan Michael Bustos “Tristyn St. Clair”
- Kitty Monroe
- Natalia Skye
- Teddy Reese Curran
- Erick Krouse
- Noah Jackson Chase
- Ellie Walsh
- Nex Benedict
- Emma “África” Parrilla García
- Blakely Hanson
- Righteous TK “Chevy” Hill
- Ashton Myles Clatterbuck
- Madison Nicole Spann “Madison St. Claire”
- Cecilia Gentili
- Diamond Cherish Brigman
- Elliot Ganiel
- Fae Morganna Barbone
- Aurelia A. Legassey
- Alex Franco
- Meraxes Medina
- Ty Geissinger “Ty Holiday”
- Andrea Doria Dos Passos “Maggie”
- Yella Clark
- Allister Matthews
- Tiffany Azalea Monceaux
- Tara Fable
- Randy Dudley
- River Neveah Goddard
- Tee “Ace” Arnold
- George A. Schappell
- Starr Brown
- Robbi Mecus
- Basil Brown
- Tayy Dior Thomas
- Kita Bee
- Kamryn “Cantrell” Smith
- Jazlynn Johnson
- Daelicious O’hare Mizani
- Darri C. Moore
- Niomi Jenkins
- Michelle Henry
- Saanti Bonét Valentino
- Pauly Likens
- M. Tapia
- Lynn Conway
- Liara Kaylee Tsai
- Dylan Gurley
- Griffin Shaun Sivret
- Kenji Zemonta Spurgeon
- Ev Smith
- Shannon Boswell
- Levi Castillo
- Lily Autumn Rose
- Monique Brooks
- Noelle Woolley
- Indiana Grayson
- Vanity Williams
- Tai’Vion Lathan
- Jhzara “Femmie” Williams
- Baxter Zachary Hawk
- Kassim Omar
- Liam Johns
- Mahdia Lynn
- Cass Trystero
- Chilli Pepper
- Barbie Iceland “Redd China”
- Honee Daniels
- Serenity Birdsong
- Adela Vázquez
- San Coleman
- Zeta Muirgen Seraph Haber
