Remembering and Fighting for Transgender and Non-Binary People: A Call to Action for DEIA Practitioners

November 20 marks Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a solemn day to honor the lives lost to anti-transgender violence. It is a day to reflect, remember, and mourn—but it should also ignite action. For those of us working in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), this day is more than a moment of recognition; it is a call to ensure our workplaces and communities actively support and celebrate transgender and non-binary individuals every day.

Why TDOR Matters to DEIA

TDOR began in 1999 as a way to remember Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman murdered in Massachusetts, and to raise awareness of the violence faced by transgender and non-binary individuals. Today, the fight continues, with TDOR serving as a poignant reminder of the systemic inequities, discrimination, and violence still endured by this community.

As DEIA professionals, we know that our work is about more than fostering inclusivity; it’s about dismantling systems of oppression. TDOR aligns with this mission because it calls attention to how society marginalizes transgender and non-binary people and urges us to act against those injustices.

The Data We Cannot Ignore

The statistics are stark. In 2023 alone, over 400 transgender and gender-diverse individuals were reported murdered globally. In the workplace, transgender and non-binary employees are more likely to experience discrimination, microaggressions, and barriers to advancement. Beyond the workplace, healthcare inequities, housing discrimination, and policy gaps further marginalize this community.

Actionable Steps for DEIA Practitioners

TDOR is not just a day of mourning; it’s a day to commit to actionable change:

1. Create Policies that Protect: Advocate for anti-discrimination policies and benefits that include gender identity and expression. This could include covering gender-affirming healthcare or ensuring robust reporting systems for discrimination or harassment.

2. Foster Visibility and Representation: Actively seek to hire, promote, and feature transgender and non-binary voices in your organization. Representation matters in leadership, employee resource groups, and external-facing initiatives.

3. Provide Comprehensive Education: Offer training and workshops on gender identity, pronouns, and intersectionality to build understanding and empathy within your organization.

4. Engage in Advocacy: Support legislation that protects transgender and non-binary rights. Use your platform to amplify the voices of trans-led organizations and initiatives.

5. Celebrate Transgender and Non-Binary People Beyond TDOR: Make visibility and celebration a year-round priority. From highlighting achievements to creating spaces for authentic self-expression, integrate trans inclusivity into your daily DEIA work.

Why Celebration Matters After Mourning

While TDOR is a day of grief, it must also be a precursor to celebration. Transgender and non-binary individuals have made extraordinary contributions across industries, from science and art to politics and activism. By celebrating these achievements, we shift the narrative from tragedy to triumph, ensuring that the lives of trans individuals are valued in life, not just in death.

A Message from IDC®

At the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)®, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing equity and inclusion for transgender and non-binary people. As a professional association dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces, we recognize the unique barriers this community faces and pledge to continue working towards a world where every individual can thrive authentically and safely.

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us remember those we have lost. But more importantly, let us fight for the living—tomorrow and every day after. The work of DEIA is not easy, but it is necessary. Together, we can create the equitable and inclusive future that transgender and non-binary individuals deserve.

#TransDayOfRemembrance #DEIA #TransRightsAreHumanRights