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We acknowledge the complex challenges that face the trans community as we remember the lives of trans folk gone too soon. Helpline Manager Kyle McFadden-Young reflects on the importance of this day.
November 20, 2024
Trans Day of Remembrance is historically celebrated internationally on the 20th of November each year. The day holds significant meaning for multiple reasons. For Transgender folks within the LGBTQ+ community, it is a day for mourning lives lost due to Transphobia, and for allies it could be a chance to pause and hold space to reflect and advocate so that further lives aren’t lost.
Transphobia in this case is not just the violence directed at Trans folks whom die at the hands of a hate crime, but could also be a Trans person dying by completing suicide, due to experiencing Transphobia as a result of verbal or physical attacks, and sometimes also due to isolation of community after or during transition.
It’s important to note that historically, this marginalized and vulnerable community has seen significant rates of violence and continues to rise each year. Whilst there are no 100% accurate figures, the home office suggests that there are around 200-500,000 trans folks living in the UK. Within the last year (’23), there have been over 4,732 reported hate crime attacks to Trans folks within England and Wales.
It’s important to note that this statistic doesn’t include Scotland, Northern Ireland, or even further imperative-unreported attacks. Stonewall Scotland has reported that hate crimes have increased against the Trans community over 11% in the last year, and over 186% within the last 5 years.
The Trans lives lost also vary in age. This time last year, another life was mourned on Trans Day of Remembrance. Brianna Ghey, a 16 year old girl whom was murdered in the park by two of her class mates who planned their attack to kill her. The death of Brianna was felt around her community and school and made international headlines having impact on many who mourn and support the community (11th of February 2023).
Transphobia kills people, directly and indirectly, and Trans Day of Remembrance is another opportunity to be aware of this. The day can have a multitude of emotions for those whom have experienced a bereavement it can be quite upsetting, or folks might choose to spend the day having a celebration of life memorial for their gone too soon loved one. For some Trans folks, it can be a day of celebrating their life, living-grateful to not be a victim of Transphobia. For others it can be a day of community planning and advocating channelling devastation into prevention. For some loved ones it can be a reminder of not knowing a loved living in their authentic truth before they died especially if relationships were fractured or estranged and words left unsaid.
The day can vary across culture and community but often involves moments of silence, candles and tribute to those whom have died as a result Transphobia.
I encourage you to further explore the significance of TDOR, and ways in which you can be of support.
If you are or have been affected by the death of a loved one due to Transphobia, please know our free confidential helpline is here on 0808 802 6161. We’re open Monday-Friday 9am-8pm and Weekends 10am-2pm.
If you have been affected by a hate crime, or would like further resources for awareness, please contact Scotland’s national LGBT helpline on 0800 464 7000. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12pm-9pm and Sundays 1pm-6pm.
