On Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) witnessed on November 20th of each year, we encourage everyone to pause and take a moment to remember all the trans people we have lost, in Canada and around the world, due to transphobic violence in all forms. Trans Day of Remembrance was first started in 1999 by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a trans woman who was killed in 1998.
Included below are ways you can remember the trans community today and every day, as well as a number of vigils being held right across Canada.
Ways to Get Involved
Attend a socially-distanced or virtual vigil in honour of trans lives lost.
Educate yourself on experiences of trans people, their issues and concerns.
Speak out when you see any form of stigma, discrimination or violence against trans people.
2020 TDOR Events Across Canada
Highlighted below are a few events happening November 20, 2020 across Canada.
Nova Scotia:
- Candle-Light Vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance | 6:00 – 7:30 PM AST | Hosted by Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project
Ontario:
- Vigil & Grief Support Group | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET | Hosted by Black CAP (Black Coalition for Aids Prevention)
- Drop-In Peer Support Group | 11:30 – 1:00 PM ET | A virtual drop-in peer support group for Indigenous Trans or Two Spirit folks. Hosted by De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre.
- Trans Day of Remembrance Niagara Gathering | 6:30 – 7:30 PM ET | Hosted by OUTniagara and PFLAG Niagara and St. Catharines
- Trans Day of Remembrance 2020 | 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET | Hosted by Community Care Centre
- Waterloo Vigil | 7:00 – 8:00 PM ET | Hosted by Gender Variant Working Group
Manitoba:
Alberta:
- Trans Day of Remembrance 2020 | 2:00 AM EST | Hosted by The Landing Society
British Columbia:
- Vancouver Trans Day of Remembrance 2020 Vigil | 6:30 – 9:30 PM PT | Hosted by Vancouver Trans Day of Remembrance
- Trans Day of Remembrance 2020 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM PT | Hosted By SFSS Out on Campus