2014 Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Nov 23

By Caitlyn Strohmeyer

This year, at 1pm on Sunday, November 23rd, the TransFamily of Erie and Erie Sisters transgender support groups are proud to host a candlelight vigil in the Avalon Hotel courtyard to honor those who were lost during the past year to the horrendous violence that our community continues to endure around the world as a result of transgender- or prejudice-based hate.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), officially observed on November 20, is an annual observance to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of transphobia, or the hatred or fear of transgender and gender non-conforming people, and brings attention to the continued acts of abject violence endured by the global transgender community.


We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred-based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn't perform and it publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our brothers and sisters in the face of national indifference and hatred. The Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, siblings, parents, friends and lovers.


We ask all of our friends and allies to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who've died at the hands of anti-transgender violence.