Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) Observance

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed annually on November 20 to honour the memory of transgender individuals whose lives have been tragically taken due to anti-transgender violence.

Established in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, TDoR began as a vigil for Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was brutally murdered in her apartment in 1988. Her case remains unsolved. This first vigil not only commemorated Rita’s life but also honoured all transgender individuals lost to violence since her passing. Today, people around the world gather to remember and honour the lives of Rita Hester and all Trans, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals taken by anti-trans violence.

Since TDoR’s inception, 5,474 lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence and discrimination, with 406 deaths occurring in the past year alone. It is a day of mourning for those who might otherwise be forgotten and a call to stand against discrimination based on gender identity and expression, including racism affecting Black, Indigenous, and racialized Trans and gender-diverse individuals.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance held on November 20, dedicated to honouring the memory of transgender individuals whose lives have been tragically lost to acts of anti-transgender violence.

The ceremony will include:

• Opening Remarks by Dr. Sandra Davidson (she/her), Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
• Speakers: Dr. Tonya Callaghan (she/they), OEDI Academic Director - LGBTQ2S+ Equity, Inclusion, and Intersectionality, PhD Candidate Jamie Anderson (he/they), a member of GSA^2, and Vonn Beaulieu (he/they), an undergraduate student in political science and member of GSA^2
• Flag raising

The SU Centre for Sexual & Gender Diversity, also known as the Students’ Union’s Q Centre, provides a safe, welcoming space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at the University of Calgary. Offering a library, peer support services, and events, the Q Centre’s program coordinators and volunteers connect clients with relevant resources, creating an inviting space for guests to socialize.

The University of Calgary has long served as a vital hub where students, staff, and faculty advocate for LGBTQ2S+ rights, visibility, equity, and inclusion. While progress has been made, we acknowledge that barriers, biases, and discrimination persist. This event offers our community a moment to affirm our values, honor those lost, and renew our commitment to a more inclusive future.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
• Time: 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. (MT)
• Location: Rozsa Centre at the flag poles

Following the ceremony – a sharing circle will be held in the White Buffalo Room (3^rd floor Education Tower)

Please note: This is an in-person event and will proceed even in inclement weather