History of Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance was co-founded by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Nancy Nangeroni, and Jahaira DeAlto and first observed on November 20, 1999. The group created this day to memorialize the murders of transgender people as a result of transphobia and was first inspired by the deaths of Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett, both trans women of color.
Violence against transgender people is intertwined with racism, classism, the housing crisis, colonialism, sexism, and homophobia. Because of this, transgender communities, especially indigenous, black, and racialized gender diverse people, are disproportionately impacted by violent crime and mental health issues compared to other communities. 70% of trans youth in Canada experience sexual harassment or violence of some kind and trans and non-binary youth are twice as likely to have thought of self-harm in their lifetime compared to cisgender youth.
On this day each year, we should reflect on the lives lost and the hardships faced by the transgender community as a result of systemic transphobia. However, the day also serves as a call to action to combat this discrimination and provide support and resources for individuals as well as advocating for systemic changes. Consider showing your support this year at one of the community events listed below.
Events at UBC
Remembrance & Resistance: A Teach-In for the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 12:30 – 2pm in Farris Hall, Rm 106
The transgender flag will be flown in place of the UBC flag from November 13-20 in observance of Transgender Awareness Week from November 13-19 and Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 at UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Additionally, the flags will be lowered on Wednesday, November 20.
Events in Vancouver
A Trans Day of Remembrance Gathering and drop-in will be held at the Birdhouse (44 W 4th Ave, Vancouver BC) on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5pm – 7pm to hold space and gather, reflect, and support one another. There will be live music, letter writing, drag performances, and healing moments.
The Simon Fraser Student Society is hosting an annual Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil on campus and over zoom on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:30pm to remember the trans siblings lost to transphobic violence.
A Trans Day of Remembrance Gathering hosted by the Crescent Justice Collective, the Society for Gender-Affirming Healthcare, and the “Vancouver” Trans March will be held on Thursday, November 20th from 7pm-9pm at MacLean Park to come together in mourning and memory. This is an outdoor event with food, beverages, and performers.
UBC Resources
The Pride Collective at UBC is a safe, supportive, and empowering home for 2SLGBTQIA+ community at UBC. It is a student-led resource group that offers educational and social services dealing with sexual and gender diversity to the UBC community.
The Pride Collective also runs a Trans Mentorship Program each year, beginning in the fall. While applications are now closed, keep an eye on their Instagram for the next round and future events!
The UBC Trans Coalition is another group to keep an eye on for resources and events at UBC.
A team of trans and non-binary students at UBC created the UBC Trans & Non-Binary Student Guide to help trans and non-binary students access resources and support on campus. It is honest, open, and collaborative.
UBC also has a list of book recommendations for Trans Day of Remembrance as well as a Transgender Reading List
UBC Library Materials:
Bey, M. (2021). Black trans feminism. Duke University Press. https://doi.org/10.1215/9781478022428 [Available at UBC Library]
Nicolazzo, Z., & EBSCOhost. (2017;2023;2016;). In Nicolazzo Z. (Ed.), Trans in college: Transgender students’ strategies for navigating campus life and the institutional politics of inclusion (First;1; ed.). Stylus Publishing, LLC. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003448259 [Available at UBC Library]
Shraya, V. (2018). I’m afraid of men. Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Canada. [Available at UBC Library]
Snorton, C. R., & JSTOR (Organization). (2017). Black on both sides: A racial history of trans identity (1st ed.). University of Minnesota Press. https://doi.org/10.5749/j.ctt1pwt7dz [Available at UBC Library]
Thom, K. C., & EBSCOhost. (2019). I hope we choose love: A trans girl’s notes from the end of the world (1st ed.). Arsenal Pulp Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Web sources consulted:
Peter A. Allard School of Law. (n.d.). Remembrance & Resistance: A Teach-In for the Transgender Day of Remembrance. University of British Columbia. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://allard.ubc.ca/about-us/events-calendar/remembrance-resistance-teach-transgender-day-remembrance
Women and Gender Equality Canada. (2023, November 20). Statement by Minister Marci Ien on Transgender Day of Remembrance [Statements]. Government of Canada.