Join us for Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025
On behalf of the 26th 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).
It is also important that when we discuss violence that we include conversation about self induced violence and mental health. Just a few months ago, TRANS Program lost one of our own engaged community members and siblings, Derek Moody, to suicide. This year 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, including about volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, please 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,
Jensen Matar, Janea Hunter and Jules Savage
Co-Chairs
TDOR Planning Committee
Transgender Resources, Advocacy, Networking and Services (TRANS) Program
Ways to Participate:
Attend!
Speak or Volunteer! Contact us at hello@transprogram.org.
Sponsor! Contact us at hello@transprogram.org.
Donate(CLICK HERE)!
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.
TDOR Q&A:
Q: Is this a family friendly event?
A: All ages are invited to join us for the Book Event on Friday, November 14th. All ages are also invited to join us for the Remembrance for Derek and the TDOR Service and Dinner, but please know that these events will contain sensitive information about the death of transgender and non-binary people. Parents and Caregivers are responsible for and must accompany the attendance of minors. The Comedy Show on the evening of Saturday, November 15th is limited to those who are 18 or older.
Q: Should I register?
A: No. We have opted to NOT require RSVPs this year. Just show up!
Q: Is this event FREE?
A: All events are FREE, with the exception of the Comedy Show at Shade Pub and Nightclub on Saturday, November 15th at 8PM. Tickets are $20 for this 18+ show. IF you would like to Volunteer, we will give you a FREE ticket to the Comedy Show!
Q: How should I dress?
A: Dress in any way you prefer for the Book Event on Friday, November 14th. Please consider “smart attire” (think semi-formal yet comfortable) for the Service and Dinner on Saturday, November 15th. Dress in any way you prefer for the Comedy Show on the evening of Saturday, November 15th. The comedy show will be at a club, so, feel free to “club it up”!
Q: Should I bring anything?
A: You are not expected to bring anything to attend our TDOR events. 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 with!
Q: Will restrooms be available?
A: Yes, restrooms will be available at Broadmeadow UMC and Shade Pub and Nightclub. There will NOT be any restrooms at Fondren Park for the one hour Remembrance and Art Installation for Derek on Saturday, November 15th from 3PM to 4PM (although you may use the restroom at Broadmeadow UMC which is located a mile and a half down the street).
Q: Will there be food or drink available?
A: Yes. FREE hors d’oeuvres will be available at Broadmeadow UMC for the Book Event on Friday, November 14th. A FREE semi-formal sit down dinner will be provided at Broadmeadow UMC after the service, on Friday November 15th. And, bar food and bar drinks will be available (for purchase) at Shade Pub and Nightclub, on the evening of Friday, November 15th.
Q: What can I expect?
A: You can expect a Book Event (inclusive of readings, Q&A, signings, resources, giveaways, and more) on Friday, November 14th at 7PM (doors open at 6:30PM), an intimate honoring and art installation for Derek, at Fondren Park in Jackson on Saturday, November 15th from 3PM to 4PM, a remembrance service for all TGNC people lost, followed by a semi-formal sit down dinner at Broadmeadow UMC (inclusive of resources) on Saturday, November 15th from 5PM to 7PM (doors open at 4:30PM), and a hilarious comedy show made up of trans and non-binary musicians and entertainers on Saturday, November 15th at 8PM (doors open at 7:30PM).
Q: Can I be a Volunteer or Speaker?
A: We are currently engaging in conversations with potential Volunteers and Speakers. Please express interest by email at hello@transprogram.org.
Q: Is this event wheelchair accessible?
A: Fondren Park is a public park. Please do note that some areas of the park include grassy and uneven terrain. Broadmeadow UMC and Shade Jackson are wheelchair accessible venues.
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. Sponsors will also have the ability to table resources at the event. For additional perks of sponsorship and information about sponsorship tiers, please contact us by email at hello@transprogram.org. or phone/text at (601)602-8027. Thank you for helping us make this event possible!
Any additional questions can be directed to us by email at hello@transprogram.org.