The Importance of Transgender Day of Remembrance and Allyship in 2024

Why the Transgender Day of Remembrance Was Created

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) started in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in 1998.

This day is a memorial. It reminds us about the importance to honour those who have been killed due to transphobia. And how everyone can help raise awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by this community.

With its start in Boston and San Francisco, TDoR has grown into an international event, marked by vigils, readings of victims' names, and other activities such as this one in Toronto being held at the 519.

Why It Continues to Be Critically Important

In 2024, TDoR remains a very important observation as we continue to see ongoing violence and discrimination against transgender individuals. Despite increased visibility and some legal protections, transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, are still being targeted with disproportionately high rates of violence.

The Human Rights Campaign in the US reported that at least 36 transgender people were killed in the past year alone. Here in Canada, the situation mirrors global trends, with transgender individuals facing significant barriers to safety and equality.

This day reminds us of the work that still needs to be done to ensure safety and equality for all transgender individuals.

The Impact of Growing Polarization and Politics

The political climate is having an ever increasing impact on the transgender community. In recent years, there has been a surge in anti-transgender rhetoric, that is also impacting legislative discussions and decisions. This polarization, that I am still trying to process as it leans so far from the world we lived in even 10 years ago, has created fewer safe spaces for transgender people and has increased the risk of violence.

Where I live in Canada, while there is generally more support for transgender rights, the influence of global political trends cannot be ignored. The rise in anti-transgender and 'anti-wokeness' globally has led to increased discrimination and violence making this day even more important to recognize.

The Importance of Allyship

Many of us are not members of the transgender community yet stand by our friends, family and loved ones in solidarity against hatred and violence they are exposed to.

Never underestimate the significant role that allies play. Allyship is crucial in bringing forward change to transform the experiences of our community colleagues from tragic to ones that are not just safe but welcoming and joyful. By standing up against transphobia, advocating for equal rights, and educating others, we help disrupt and dismantle the barriers that prevent our transgender peers from living without fear

This day of remembrance for victims of violence against transgender people is not only a day to mourn and remember those lost to violence but also a call to action. Take a moment today to put the learning and knowledge we have within reach to good work. Hatred and violence against identity, race and religion must be stopped by all of us.