Trans Day of Remembrance: Recognizing Loss and Celebrating Resilience
Forward note:
We wrote our blog about TDoR before the announcement of the American election, and if we’re being honest, we didn’t prepare to address it on the blog because the outcome is something we didn’t imagine. As people who consistently work on our mindsets of hope and caring, it still catches us off guard that such prejudice can be so prevalent.
So to our American neighbors; we feel you and stand beside you, grieving. We hear your stories about your fears for the future and about the reality of the policies that have already encroached on so many of your rights. These policies and prejudices affect all of us, even if we don’t live on American soil.
Right now, it’s acceptable to feel all the grief and rage at this situation and fear for our community. It is okay to feel this deeply, to rest, to mourn, and to care for yourself. We encourage every one of you to do what you need to feel okay at this time.
And later, when we feel more stable, we can get to the work of organizing. This outcome will only resolve us to fight harder to keep each other safe, to strengthen communities of care, and to work the way that we’ve always worked- to ensure that queer and trans people get to live safely and flourish.
When we think about it, Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance landed so aptly at the time of this outcome. Because, while it’s a time to remember and grieve the community members we’ve lost, it’s also a time to remember what we as a community are capable of.
Collectively, we've existed and resisted throughout history by supporting one another. We have no choice but to persist. As stated in the Xtra article How To Survive The Apocalypse (again)-
"What does it mean to be strong, to be brave, to be resilient in conditions like these? At times, it seems like an absurdity, an impossible task… And I remember that queer and trans people are, perhaps, the best-qualified community to survive the end of the world as we know it. After all, we’ve done it so many times before."
For those of you who may feel hopeless at the moment, please remember that you are not alone. Our community is strong and resilient, and there are resources to support you. Though the outcome of this election is heartbreaking, please remember that our community still surrounds you, and that over 68 million people out there still voted to protect you.
Trans Day of Remembrance: Recognizing Loss and Celebrating Resilience
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is such a challenging time here at Origami Customs. Every year on November 20, our hearts are heavy as we collectively mourn the lives of transgender people we’ve lost to violence and bigotry. Even when we don’t personally know the individuals lost to violence or despair, we can’t help but see their faces and voices in those around us, our loved ones, our chosen families, and our community. Every trans person taken away from us leaves a gaping hole in our community, that no words, thoughts, and prayers can ever fill – or justify.
Facing this topic is difficult; the cruel reality of discrimination and the knowledge that so many deaths go unreported due to misgendering by family and media are painful to process. In a political climate where trans people are used as talking points and constantly dehumanized, where politicians exacerbate fearmongering and propagate lies about trans healthcare to further their own agendas, it can be hard at times to stay hopeful. It’s hard not to think of the terrible – and deadly – impacts that legislation restricting access to care has on our community, especially young people.
These conversations are heavy, but it is also important to take a moment to be in collective grief. Being reminded that some of us face horrific consequences for our identities, especially those who live at the intersection of many, only renews our passion to find ways to create environments that foster safety, opportunity, healing, and joy.
What is Trans Day of Remembrance?
The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1999 as a vigil organized by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman killed the year before. This vigil marked the beginning of a powerful movement to recognize the lives taken by anti-transgender violence and to ensure those lost are never forgotten. Smith’s mission continues to resonate across our communities as TDoR has become an international event and symbol of remembrance and resistance.
For the week leading up to TDoR, Transgender Awareness Week serves as an extended opportunity to uplift, celebrate, and build visibility around the trans community. By raising awareness about the issues faced by transgender individuals, we bring a united call to advance justice, foster solidarity, and advocate for equality.
Events like Transgender Awareness Week and TDoR help to illuminate both the progress and the profound challenges still ahead. They also remind us of the power of solidarity among 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies to drive collective change, turning difficulty into resilience and action.
Creating Space for Trans Joy and Empowerment
This year, while we remember and honor those we have lost, we also want to celebrate the strength and beauty of trans existence. In the face of adversity, trans communities continue to thrive, finding joy, love, and support among friends, chosen family, and allies.
This resilience, joy, and self-discovery are invaluable aspects of the trans experience, yet are often overshadowed by stories of hardship. At Origami Customs, we believe that while it’s essential to highlight and combat the violence and injustices faced by trans individuals, it’s equally important to uplift stories of trans joy, success, and community. Being trans is a gift, not a punishment.
As trans people, we are surrounded by countless others who are building communities, celebrating who they are, and protecting each other. If you are feeling isolated or fearful of beginning your journey, know that you are not alone.
The road to self-discovery and acceptance can feel daunting, especially when you read the news about the challenges faced by the trans community. But the trans experience can be one of joy, authenticity, and fulfillment. This Transgender Awareness Week, we want to highlight the incredible resilience, power, and community that defines the trans experience.
That’s why we’re using this TDoR and Transgender Awareness Week to not only remember our siblings but to support the living, focusing on our power to create safe, affirming spaces and resources. Our goal is to provide FREE, accessible education and tools that empower trans and gender-diverse individuals to live more comfortably, confidently, and joyfully.
FREE Workshops During Transgender Awareness Week
As part of our commitment to the trans community, we'll be sharing a series of free virtual workshops running the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, along with Point of Pride and Plume Health. (both organizations are offering even more this week, go check them out!)
These workshops are designed to offer trans and gender-diverse individuals practical tools, support, and affirming spaces for learning and connection. Led by knowledgeable facilitators, each session will focus on different aspects of gender-affirming care, self-expression, and community support.
Whether you’re new to the trans community, exploring gender identity, or seeking tips and resources to affirm your journey, these workshops offer a safe, inclusive environment to learn and connect. Here’s a look at our upcoming sessions:
Tuck with Confidence with Michelle Castro and Rae Hill
Presented by Point of Pride
- Date: November 17, 2024
- Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
- Platform: ZOOM (Webinar)
Join us for "Tuck with Confidence"—a virtual workshop hosted by Point of Pride for Transgender Awareness Week! This session is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about tucking—a gender-affirming practice that helps create a smoother, more comfortable silhouette.
Our experienced facilitators will guide you through safe tucking techniques, using gaffs, tips to minimize discomfort, and ways to care for your body. Whether you're new to tucking or looking to refine your approach, this workshop offers practical advice to help you feel confident and secure. We’ll wrap up with a Q&A segment, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions and connect with others in a supportive, affirming space.
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Bind with Confidence with Ki Jace and Rae Hill
Presented by Point of Pride
- Date: November 17, 2024
- Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
- Platform: ZOOM (Webinar)
Join us for "Binding with Confidence," a virtual workshop during Transgender Awareness Week, hosted by Point of Pride! This session is crafted for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals who want to learn more about chest binding—a popular method for creating a flatter chest and managing dysphoria.
Our experienced facilitators will share safe binding practices, tips for finding the right binder, advice on preventing discomfort or injury, and guidance on caring for your body while binding. Whether you’re new to binding or seeking fresh tips, this workshop offers valuable insights to help you bind safely and confidently. The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving attendees the chance to connect, ask questions, and receive support in an affirming environment.
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Fashion Outside the Binary with Rai Dang and Rae Hill
Presented by Plume Health
- Date: November 19, 2024
- Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET
- Platform: Virtual event hosted on Plume website
Join us for "Fashion Outside the Binary," a virtual workshop during Transgender Awareness Week, hosted by Plume Health! In this workshop, Rae and Rai delve into how self-image is shaped for TGD (trans and gender-diverse) individuals, influenced by mainstream fashion norms as well as our evolving, unique experiences within our own bodies.
Rae and Rai will share their journeys as trans individuals navigating the intersections of gender and fashion. They will also lead an engaging discussion that offers practical tips for building a wardrobe that feels both affirming and true to you, finding support when self-confidence wanes, and blending medical and nonmedical transition choices to meet personal goals. The webinar also includes a hands-on demo for taking accurate body measurements and features a collaborative project, inviting attendees to explore their individual identities through fashion.
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Moving Forward with Resilience, Joy, and Community
At Origami Customs, we know that education and community are powerful forces for positive change. Through our workshops, we hope to create a space where trans and gender-diverse people feel valued, affirmed, and supported. Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance are times to honor our community, not just in memory, but with a dedication to action and celebration. By offering these workshops, we aim to equip attendees with the tools to embrace their gender journey with confidence, self-love, and pride.
This Trans Day of Remembrance, let’s honor those we have lost by empowering the living, celebrating trans joy, and embracing the powerful, resilient community we’ve built together. For more information or support, check out the resources below, and join us as we continue to advocate, support, and uplift trans lives. Together, we can build a future that remembers, honors, and celebrates the full, vibrant lives of trans people everywhere.
Resources
Support Resources for Those in Need
Transgender Advocacy Resources Master List (USA)
National Center for Transgender Equality
Free Gender-affirming Gear Program
Places to honor those lost to our community:
Human Rights Campaign: A List of Those Lost To Us in 2024
GLADD: A Memorium of Those Lost To Us 2017-2023
Human Rights Campaign: Overview of The Epidemic of Violence Against the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in the United States
National Center for Transgender Equality: Inequality Survey
Facebook: Find a TDoR Vigil in Your City
A couple extra inspiring things:
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