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Transgender Day of Remembrance

Show your support and honor those we have lost. Join us in remembering the transgender community on Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Friday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENovember 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Let's come together to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th. This day was created in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender activist, to memorialize the countless lives lost due to transphobic violence and discrimination around the world. It is a time for people from all walks of life - regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation - to unite in solidarity with transgender individuals and communities. By celebrating this day we can help support human rights worldwide while honoring those who are no longer here with us today.

TIMELINE

Transgender Day of Remembrance Timeline

Tragic Loss of Rita Hester

Rita Hester, a transgender woman, was brutally murdered in Massachusetts, igniting a wave of outrage and concern in the LGBTQ+ community.

First Transgender Day of Remembrance

Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender activist, establishes the Transgender Day of Remembrance in memory of Rita Hester and all those lost to transphobic violence.

Global Observance Begins

The Transgender Day of Remembrance begins to be observed internationally, shining a global light on transgender rights issues.

Recognition in DC

Washington D.C. became the first city in the United States to officially recognize the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Notable Advocacy Continues

Laverne Cox and Janet Mock, transgender celebrities and advocates, raise mainstream awareness through their activism and work in the media.

Historic Recognition

President-elect Joe Biden becomes the first US President-Elect to officially recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Transgender Day of Remembrance

Attend a remembrance event

Take the time to attend a local Transgender Day of Remembrance event. This is a great way to show your support and take part in honoring the transgender people who have been killed due to hatred.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Read up on transgender issues and learn more about how you can support transgender rights. Researching articles, books and films is an important way to learn more about this community.

DONATE

Donate to transgender causes

Make a donation to a charity that supports transgender rights, such as The National Center for Transgender Equality or The Human Rights Campaign.

Share messages of support

Spread messages of acceptance, understanding and love for the transgender community on social media using the hashtag #TransDayOfRemembrance.

REACH

Reach out to a trans person

Show your support by reaching out to a friend or family member who is transgender and let them know that you are there for them.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Transgender Day of Remembrance is Important

It raises awareness & encourages activism

Through its powerful message of remembrance, Transgender Day of Remembrance can help raise public awareness about issues affecting the transgender community. It also encourages people to take action and get involved in activism or advocacy against anti-transgender violence and discrimination.

It honors those lost to violence

Every November 20th, Transgender Day of Remembrance is a time to honor those who have been lost to anti-transgender violence in the past year. This day serves to recognize and remember transgender individuals who are victims of hate crimes, and it helps keep their memory alive.

It brings attention to discrimination

The Transgender Day of Remembrance also brings attention to the discrimination that transgender people still face today. It serves as a reminder that much work remains to be done in terms of fighting for equal rights and protecting transgender lives around the world.

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