Every year on November 20th, communities around the world come together to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day to honor the lives of transgender and gender-diverse people who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence.

TDOR began in 1999, founded by activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith in memory of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman whose murder in 1998 sparked grief and outrage.

Since 1998, the day has now grown into a global moment of reflection, becoming a time not only to mourn but also to renew our collective commitment to creating a world where all transgender and gender-diverse people can live safely and with dignity.