Join us for Transgender Day of Remembrance & Resilience 2026
On behalf of the 27th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) Planning Committee, we invite you to join us in honoring the lives of transgender and gender non-conforming people lost to violence and injustice, and celebrating the existence and resilience of transgender and gender non-conforming people who are with us today.
TDOR was established following the unsolved murder of Rita Hester of Boston MA, a Black transgender woman, in 1998. Over two decades later, Rita's story highlights the ongoing struggle for justice, particularly for transgender people of color (TPOC). This year we will be honoring the being and resilience of Malaysia Walker, a Black transgender woman who has defied the odds and led the way for trans people of all walks to persevere.
It is also important that when we discuss violence that we include conversation about self induced violence and mental health. Just last year, TRANS Program lost one of our own engaged community members and siblings, Derek Moody, to suicide. Trans people, including those who lead or regularly participate with TRANS Program, are no strangers to thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation. It is important that we share and connect on this matter. We will be placing a highlight on mental health and how we might provide better services and support so that we don’t lose anyone to violence of any sort. May every year be a new opportunity to set a higher standard for action against disproportionate violence and injustice.
This is a significant event and your participation demonstrates true solidarity with and in support of the transgender and gender non-conforming community.
For answers to any questions or more details about volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, please see below (or feel free to reach out to us directly). Thank you for your commitment to supporting and improving the lives of transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Warm regards,
TDOR Planning Committee
Transgender Resources, Advocacy, Networking and Services (TRANS) Program
This event involves sensitive subject of discussion. Please attend mindfully.
For common questions and answers, please see below.
Ways to Participate:
Attend. No RSVP necessary.
Volunteer. The Volunteer Form will be live on Mon, Oct 12th.
Sponsor.
Donate.
Additional Information
What is TDOR?
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), internationally and annually recognized on November 20th is a day to honor the lives of transgender and gender non-conforming people lost to violence and injustice, while celebrating the existence and resilience of transgender and gender non-conforming people who are with us today. Please note that our TDOR service and dinner will be held on November 21st.
TDOR Q&A:
Q: Is this a family friendly event?
A: All ages are invited to join us for TDOR, but please know that we will discuss sensitive information about violence and death of transgender and non-binary people. Parents and Caregivers are responsible for and must accompany minors.
Q: Should I register?
A: No registration or RSVP is required for this event.
Q: Is this event FREE?
A: Yes. This event is FREE to attend.
Q: How should I dress?
A: We recommend dressing in “smart attire” (think semi-formal yet comfortable). This is a slightly dressed up event about paying respects to those lost, as well as those who have and are making waves of positive difference in the lives of transgender and non-binary people.
Q: Should I bring anything?
A: You are not expected to bring anything, although donations are extremely helpful. IF you would LIKE to bring something, please contact us by email at hello@transprogram.org, in advance. There may be something we need, that you could help supply.
Q: Will restrooms be available?
A: Yes, restrooms will be available at Broadmeadow UMC (our event venue).
Q: Will there be food or drink available?
A: Yes. A semi-formal sit down dinner will be provided at this event. This is a sober event. No alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed.
Q: What can I expect?
A: You can expect a remembrance vigil for all TGNC people lost as a result of violence (over this past year), memorable performances including piano by Madeline Greene and live performances by Jackson Gay Men’s Chorus, dinner, special guest speakers, storytelling, light activities and keepsakes, storytelling, resources, a special honoring and recognition of Malaysia Walker, and a celebration of the existence and resilience of transgender and non-binary people who are still with us today. Major conversation will surround the violence faced by Black transgender women and the self-harm and suicidal ideation faced by transgender and non-binary people at-large. A space of solitude and mental health providers will be available for anyone in need.
Q: Can I be a Volunteer?
A: Yes. We are currently engaging in conversations with potential Volunteers. Please complete the above “Volunteer Form”.
Q: Is this event accessible?
A: Yes. We are striving to ensure that this event is truly accessible. Broadmeadow UMC is a wheelchair accessible venue and front row parking will be available for those who are disabled. We are also working to ensure we have an ASL interpreter present.
Q: Can I sponsor?
A: Yes! All sponsors will be acknowledged and thanked on promotional materials (print and online) and recognized on stage at the event itself. For additional benefits of sponsorship and information about sponsorship tiers, please click the above Sponsorship Packet and then confirm by email at hello@transprogram.org. We are happy to customize partnerships. This event would not be possible without our generous sponsors. Thank you.
Any additional questions can be directed to us by email at hello@transprogram.org.