November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance – a day to commemorate the transgender, Two Spirit, non-binary, and gender non-conforming persons whose lives were ended through acts of anti-transgender violence. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the issue of transphobia and acknowledge the violent effect it has on our communities.

The day was first observed in 1999 to memorialize murder victims Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett.

The week leading up to November 20 is known as Transgender Awareness Week which aims to help increase understanding about transgender people and the issues members of the community face.

Why this occasion is important

The day serves several purposes:

• to raise public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people,
• to publicly mourn and honour lives lost from our community, and
• to express love and respect for our community members in the face of public indifference and hatred.

This day is an opportunity to celebrate trans and non-binary people everywhere, and a call to action for allies to combat disinformation, discrimination and hate that impacts our community. “We all have a right to feel safe in our homes, on our streets and in our communities,” said Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality Canada.

Vigils are typically hosted by local transgender advocates or 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations and held at community centers, parks, places of worship and other venues. Vigils often involve reading a list of the names of those lost during the previous year. 

Resources

Whether you’re a trans person or an ally seeking to support the trans people in your life, here are some resources to help. 

• International Transgender Day of Remembrance: GLAAD
• Statistics Canada: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/669-international-transgender-day-visibility
• Egale Canada: https://egale.ca/egale-in-action/trans-day-of-visibility-2023/  
• Human Rights Campaign: The Human Rights Campaign works to educate the public about the transgender community and provides resources for transgender and non-binary people to live their fullest lives. https://www.hrc.org/resources/international-transgender-day-of-visibility 
• Standing against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia

Support for transgender individuals and youth 

• LGBT Youthline: 1-800-268-9688
• Trans Lifeline: A grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. 

Additionally, the following supports can be accessed 24/7 by anyone who needs them:  

• Bullying Helpline in Alberta: Call or text 310-1818
• Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642