What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
This page and the content in it mention of suicide, transphobia & discrimination. It’s okay to take a step back if that might affect you. At the end of the day, Trans Day of Remembrance is about love for all people, and that includes you.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is an incredibly important day for us all. It was started in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honour Rita Hester, a Black trans woman whose murder has remained unsolved. The tradition has remained since, with institutions (like our own) and individuals coming together to remember and stand by our lost trans friends and family, and to support those we’re lucky enough to still have with us.
Hi everyone. I’m Anji (they/them), and I’m your Trans Officer. Today, November 20, is Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Regardless of our own identities, I think we all have a duty of care to each other. We have a collective responsibility to stand with our trans siblings – those we’ve lost and those still with us.
Trans people are powerful and even more so with the support of cisgender allies. Don’t let this day be about the statistics – let it be about the people.
Read Anji's full blog on what is Transgender Day of Remembrance and why it's so important to mark this day.
The Importance of Community
From UCL:
Check out these events from outside the union!
Resources and support
Community and support
- The UCL Trans Network is open to all trans staff and students at UCL and hosts a range of peer support and community building opportunities.
- Specific guidance for LGBTQ+ students is available from Student Support and Wellbeing.
- To receive private and confidential support on issues relating to bullying and harassment, UCL has a range of Dignity Advisors who are committed to supporting trans, nonbinary and all marginalised members of staff.
- UCL’s Employee Assistance Programme offers free, confidential advice and mental health support to all staff.
- The Gender Expression Fund offers grants to help trans and nonbinary students purchase gender affirming products.
UCL’s commitments and guidance
- UCL’s LGBTQ+ action plan to read UCL’s institutional commitments for creating an inclusive environment, specifically for our trans community.
- UCL’s guidance for supporting trans students and staff.
- UCL’s policy on preventing and challenging transphobic bullying and harassment.
- To report unacceptable behaviour, such as transphobia or any other form of harassment, please use Report and Support.
External wellbeing and support resources for trans people
- Spectra offers a range of social groups, counselling, mentoring and advocacy for trans people in London.
- London Friend is a charity health and wellbeing support to LGBTQ+ people.
- London LGBTQ+ Centre is a community centre and café that hosts a range of social and educational events.
- Gendered Intelligence runs social groups and mentoring for young trans people aged 18-30.
- Galop has a free helpline and email advice service for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence.
- Switchboard offers free confidential support to LGBTQ+ people on a range of issues.