Transgender Day of Remembrance

The Council is recognizing November 20, 2026, as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) in the City of Boston, honoring the lives of transgender and gender-diverse people who have been lost to anti-transgender violence.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20 to honor transgender and gender-diverse individuals whose lives have been lost to violence. The day was first observed in 1999 to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman from Massachusetts. Since then, it has become an internationally recognized day of remembrance, reflection, and action.

The resolution highlights the disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination transgender and gender-diverse people continue to face. It also recognizes the systemic barriers affecting these communities in areas including housing, employment, education, and healthcare.

The resolution emphasizes the City of Boston’s commitment to upholding the dignity, safety, and full inclusion of all residents, including transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals. It also recognizes that while Transgender Day of Remembrance provides an opportunity to honor those who have been lost and celebrate diversity, continued work is needed to address violence and discrimination.