Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is today, Friday, Nov. 20. This day commemorates victims that we have lost from being transgender or from anti-transgender hate and/or prejudice. TDOR started in memory of Rita Hester who was murdered on Nov. 28, 1998 because of being a transgender woman of color. Since that year, the event became an annual memorial to those who died from hate crimes. This year is the 16th year that TDOR is celebrated.

“I believe Trans Day of Remembrance is important because in having a day to remember those who have been victims of hate crimes, we can remember that the world still has a lot of growing to do in terms of social justice and therefore work to improve societal conditions in honor of those who were and are victims,”  Vice President of the Sexuality, Intersex, and Gender Alliance (SIGA)  Abby Prilliman ‘17 said. “The day itself also gives those who were victims of acts of violence a chance to be properly respected and their memory treated with the honor they deserved in life.”

TDOR is a large step forward for the LGBT+ community in gaining awareness around the U.S. and the world, and it brings not only LGBT+ communities together, but also people who don’t know about LGBT+ issues or the social image that LGBT+ people are given.

“It brings the community together as a whole, giving everyone a unifying cause to work together to advocate for the protection of trans people and give everyone a chance to reflect on those who have been lost,” Prilliman said. “It also allows those who are not involved inside the communities to learn about the injustices people in the transgender communities face on a daily basis and help spread the awareness that while the world has indeed improved the quality of life for many, there is still much that needs to be done in terms of improvement.”

While it is important to reflect on how far the LGBT+ community has gotten in terms of awareness, it is equally important to remember those who had their lives taken away from them for being transgender, or for standing up for LGBT+ rights.

“In remembering their lives and honoring their memories, I feel as though I am able to at least in part, try to prevent these injustices from happening again and protecting future generations from having to experience the injustices that so many trans people face today due to hatred and ignorance,” Prilliman said. “As well, I feel as though I am able to express the love and respect the victims of hate crimes so desperately deserve, and remind myself and others that trans people are friends, children, spouses, and partners, and deserve love and protection equal to that of any cis-gender person.”

SIGA’s main goal is to provide a safe place to the LGBT+ and non-LGBT+ people at our school, and they welcome anyone, no matter their gender, sexuality, or if they’re not sure at all. Their next meeting is on Thursday, Dec. 3 in room E2114.