On November 20, community members and allies alike will come together for a special event at The Center on Colfax, honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Observed for the first time in 1999, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was originally established to honor the lives of black transwomen who had been murdered. It has evolved into an annual day to remember and honor our transgender and gender diverse community members who have lost their lives to anti-trans violence.
Sable Schultz (she/her), Manager of Transgender Services
“[Transgender Day of Remembrance] used to strictly refer to those who were killed by physical violence,” said Sable Schultz (she/her), Manager of Transgender Programs at The Center. “Now, I’ve seen recent movements to recognize those who have taken their own lives due to their experiences with transphobia.”
Sable has witnessed over two decades of TDOR observances since the first one in 1999 – coincidentally, she came out as a trans woman herself that same year.
“To me, this day symbolizes the importance of recognizing those who have passed due to hateful violence, because too often, their lives are not otherwise recognized or marked,” said Sable.
“It is tragic in that, for a lot of these people, this is the last time their names are said. For some people, the name we read [at our TDOR observance] might not even be the name they get to have on their graves. Honoring that, and honoring who they are in these spaces is a way for us to remember their humanity and the connection that we all share.”
Joy Iwancio (she/her), Support Group Coordinator
The significance of being recognized by your name is one to which Joy Iwancio (she/her), Support Group Coordinator, has an extremely personal tie this year.
“In one way, I am a late bloomer – as a trans woman, I just started living full-time this year at 66 years old! My name, Joy, is indicative of my general outlook on life,” she said.
“TDOR is of particular significance to me this year because November 20 is the day that I am going to get my legal name. While this will be an extremely joyful and euphoric moment for me, it is also starkly contrasted by the fact that later that evening, we will be reading the names of those who have passed – this may be the last time some of these names are spoken,” Joy said.
Joy joined The Center’s staff in June of this year and feels deep personal connections to her work here as the Support Group Coordinator.
“In 1999, the leader of our transgender group in Baltimore was murdered. Her name was Tacy Ranta. She was a fantastic leader of our group – so intelligent and caring. I still miss her, especially when I think about the fact that I am now leading transgender support groups,” Joy explained.
“I relate to what Sable said about how the names of trans and gender diverse folks who lost their lives to anti-trans violence may not even be recognized publicly. Back in the day, folks would be referred to by the wrong names and pronouns in the newspapers too. That happened to my friend Tacy,” Joy said. “I was so mad – I wrote to the newspaper and said, ‘No. This was my friend, and she lived her life as Tacy.’ I hope that we have progressed since that.”
A community member at the State Capitol during The Center's 2021 TDOR Eve March & Rally
While acceptance and support for the transgender community has increased since the inaugural TDOR in 1999, this year’s observance comes at a time when transgender rights are undergoing intense attacks. According to TransLegislation.com, 583 anti-trans bills have been introduced across the United States just this year. These bills aim to restrict access to gender affirming healthcare, allow teachers to override a student’s pronouns, ban books that validate concepts of gender or pronouns, and more.
In light of the current perpetuation of hostile narratives and anti-trans attitudes that lead to violence and transphobia, gatherings and observances of days like Transgender Day of Remembrance are more essential than ever. It is in these moments when it is of utmost importance to come together as a community to find support and solace with one another.
“What we are trying to do is not only hold a space for people to grieve, but also to celebrate the lives of those who have passed, and celebrate the bravery of trans people who continue to live out loud without backing down in fear,” said Joy. “This is going to be a moment of healing and remembrance.”
Sable added that “it is so important to see the coming together of community right now – just getting to see one another, and that we are still here despite all these efforts to silence us. We are still strong, we still come together, and we still do what we can to look after one another. We’re not going away – you can’t get rid of trans folks. We persevere and we keep going, even through all of this,” she said.
We hope you will consider joining us at The Center’s Transgender Day of Remembrance event on November 20.
When asked who is welcome to attend the event, Joy held her arms outstretched. “These are my open arms to the community,” she said with a warm smile.
“I would also encourage anyone who has lost a trans or gender diverse friend, loved one, or family member to attend, and we would be happy to recognize the name of your loved one,” said Joy.
“There are no limitations on who can attend this event,” said Sable. “Everyone is affected by [anti-trans violence and rhetoric]. We are all impacted by the loss of connections and community, even if we don’t recognize it in the moment. Targeted violence touches all of us, and this event is a chance to come be in community and observe this day of remembrance together.”