Remembering Those Lost and Building Safer Workplaces
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), observed annually on November 20, honors the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence. Founded in 1999 by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, it began as a vigil to memorialize Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman whose murder was largely ignored by mainstream media. Today, TDOR is observed worldwide, raising awareness about the violence faced by trans communities while calling for justice, dignity, and change.
Looking for a quick, actionable way to acknowledge Transgender Day of Remembrance? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.
Why This Holiday Matters
Transgender Day of Remembrance can be more than a memorial—it’s a workplace call to action:
✅ It shines light on the disproportionate violence and discrimination faced by trans people, especially trans women of color.
✅ It challenges workplaces to confront bias, transphobia, and systemic inequities.
✅ It builds solidarity by affirming the humanity, visibility, and rights of trans and nonbinary employees.
✅ It promotes cultural humility, reminding us that inclusion is a matter of safety as well as belonging.
Marking this day shows your workplace stands against violence and for equity.
One Inclusive Celebration Idea
Host a “Day of Reflection & Commitment” Gathering
Here’s how:
- Begin with a moment of silence to honor lives lost.
- Share the history and meaning of TDOR with your team.
- Offer prompts for reflection, such as:
- What does it mean to make our workplace safer for trans colleagues?
- What barriers might trans and nonbinary employees face here?
- Close by inviting staff to commit to one concrete action—like using inclusive language, updating policies, or advocating for trans rights.
This activity balances remembrance with action, creating space for both grief and growth.
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Pause & Reflect
How can your organization ensure that remembrance leads to action—making the workplace safer and more affirming for trans and nonbinary colleagues?
