Annual Transgender Day of Remebrance - November 20th

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual day where the trans community comes together to remember all the trans lives taken from us this year by abuse, bigotry and mental health struggles.

FTM London will always stand in solidarity with our sisters, brothers and non-binary siblings in countries like the US and Brazil where transphobic violence and murder is epidemic, the majority of victims being trans women who are of African or Caribbean descent, who are Latina, or others whose experience of transphobia intersects with racism. 

A recent report reveals that transphobic hate crime in the UK itself has quadrupled in the past 5 years – trans people continue to be attacked from all sides, and with waiting times for NHS gender clinics reaching upwards of 5 years, many trans people in this country are suffering the long wait in the grip of a mental health crisis, which has and will continue to claim lives. 

We must carry on fighting this torrent of hatred and hopelessness until we see a better future and stop more senseless deaths.

Unfortunately in light of the pandemic and the ongoing national lockdown, traditional vigils won't be able to take place this year. However, there will be a selection of online vigils and events to mark the date, with the main remembrance vigil being hosted by Stonewall and The Outside Project this year - you can read more on our Upcoming Meetings page. 

Gendered Intelligence are also hosting a youth event for 16-25 year olds from 5:30PM to 7PM on Zoom, where there will be a name reading, a sharing space and arts and crafts to commemorate the trans community in remembrance and resilience. To join in, email youthwork@genderedintelligence.co.uk to sign up.

QTIPOC Narratives are also hosting a series of events to commemorate Trans Day of Remembrance this year. More can be found on their Instagram page here.

Black Beetle Health will be hosting a conversation with Ghanian trans woman Va-Bene about how she overcame the challenges associated with the widespread anti-LGBTQ narratives in African continents. This will take place on their Instagram page at 7PM on 20th November.

Forum+ are hosting an online remembrance service from 6PM to 7PM in conjunction with Wesley's Chapel & Leysian Mission and City, University of London.  This special online service will feature music, poetry, messages of hope and solidarity and is inclusive and welcoming to all people and allies. It will be streamed on the YouTube channels of Forum+, Wesley's Chapel & Leysian Mission and City, University of London. There will also be a Zoom meeting room where people can watch together, and you can email info@forumplus.org.uk for details on how to join this or any other information about this event.

We'll share any other online events that are happening at this time when they are announced.

Here are some other ways trans people and allies can still make a difference on November 20th, today or any other day:

• Highlight the hostility and mental health plights faced by trans people

• Campaign to end global transphobic violence and legal loopholes that protect transphobic assaulters and killers, to stop police brutality and abuses of police and state power, for better treatment of trans people by authorities and better handling of hate crime reporting, and for better health care for trans people

• Promote kindness, understanding and solidarity towards the trans community through education and awareness

We hope you will take some time to get together with trans friends, family and allies to reflect and remember those we have lost.