The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is an annual event that is observed on November 20 across the world. This day aims to honour the memory of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. As per historical records, this day was first started in 1999 by activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil for Rita Hester, a trans woman who was murdered in 1998. It has since grown into a global movement. This year, Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025 falls on Thursday, November 20. In this article, let’s know more about Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025 date, the history and significance of the annual event. Transgender Day of Remembrance Quotes and HD Images: Inspirational Sayings, Wallpapers, Messages and Greetings To Share on International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025 Date

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025 falls on Thursday, November 20.

Transgender Day of Remembrance History

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually from its inception on November 20, 1999, to memorialise those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. The day was established to draw attention to the continued violence directed toward transgender people. Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by a small group, including Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Nancy Nangeroni, and Jahaira DeAlto, to memorialise the murders of Black transgender women Rita Hester in Allston, Massachusetts, and Chanelle Pickett in Watertown, Massachusetts. Transgender Day of Remembrance Quotes and HD Images: Inspirational Sayings, Wallpapers, Messages and Greetings To Share on International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

After Hester died in 1998, Smith was surprised to realize that none of her friends remembered Pickett or her murder three years prior. The first TDoR took place in November 1999 in Boston and San Francisco, as both Hester and Pickett's deaths occurred in November. TDoR continued to be observed annually on November 20, the anniversary of Pickett's murder.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Significance

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual reminder of the violence, discrimination, and hate crimes faced by transgender people worldwide. This annual event shines a light on systemic issues like the social, legal, and cultural issues that put transgender communities at risk. Transgender Day of Remembrance also encourages governments, institutions, and communities to strengthen protections, promote acceptance, and support the rights and dignity of transgender individuals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 20, 2025 06:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).