Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), memorializes trans individuals who have died because of anti-transgender discrimination and victimization. It occurs annually on and around November 20th each year.
My social media feeds on Transgender Day of Remembrance are always full of heartfelt posts. I see heart wrenching statuses, tweets and pictures all about the legacy that was left for the trans people of today, and all the work that we still have to get done. But I never simply post something and think that my job is done. Remembering is so much more than that.
For me, this day is also a reminder to take action. It is a reminder that the work we have to do is never truly done. From the Stonewall Riots, which were largely led by trans women of color, to the aftermath of the Orlando Shooting, this community has come so far and yet we still have so far to go.
On my trip to Washington, D.C. this past summer, we discussed the three A’s of activism. When trying to change the world, you work toward awareness, take action and advocate for others. Although posting about the day on social media is helpful and it helps to raise awareness, that should not be all you do. We have so many steps to take until we get to an end point of equality.
I remember the trans lives we have lost when I go to Washington D.C. and lobby for the Equality Act. I remember the trans lives we have lost when I plan activities for my GSA that will help educate our members on the history of the trans inclusion movement. I remember the trans lives we have lost when I fight for equal bathroom usage in my public school system.
Trans Day of Remembrance is about remembering the lives we have unfortunately lost in the past, and it is also about working toward never losing more lives again.
Make your congregation or Jewish community more trans friendly.
