Transgender Day of Remembrance – November 20, 2026

Transgender Day of Remembrance
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessLGBTQ
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every November 20
Holiday emoji:
💜

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed every November 20 to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence. This solemn day raises awareness about the ongoing discrimination and violence faced by the transgender community. Take time to reflect, educate yourself, and advocate for a safer, more inclusive world.

Want to sponsor Transgender Day of Remembrance? Learn how

Expected Transgender Day of Remembrance Deals

Transgender Day of Remembrance is a solemn occasion focused on advocacy and support rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, and the Transgender Law Center encourage donations to support their vital work in protecting transgender rights and providing resources. Many companies, such as Sephora and Levi’s, often partner with LGBTQ+ non-profits throughout the year, offering opportunities to round up purchases or buy specially designed products that benefit these causes. Look for local vigils and community events where you can contribute to memorial funds or participate in awareness campaigns. We will update this page with confirmed live events and fundraising drives as November 20 approaches.

Platform Guide for Transgender Day of Remembrance

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TDoR. Share stories of remembrance, educational infographics, and resources for supporting the transgender community.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #TransgenderDayOfRemembrance. Join conversations about advocacy, share news on trans rights, and amplify voices from the community.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TransgenderDayOfRemembrance. Organize or share details about local vigils and community support events.

Social Media Tips for Transgender Day of Remembrance

Individuals

Attend a local vigil or memorial service to honor those lost. Share a message of solidarity and support on your social media, using relevant hashtags and linking to educational resources.

Creators

Produce content that educates your audience on the history and significance of TDoR. Highlight the importance of allyship and share personal stories (with consent) that foster understanding and empathy.

Brands

Use your platform to amplify transgender voices and organizations. Consider a donation match program for a relevant non-profit or provide educational resources to your employees and customers.

Organizations & Brands for Transgender Day of Remembrance

  1. Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

    Founded in 1980, the Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States. HRC advocates for LGBTQ+ equality and works to end discrimination against transgender people.

  2. GLAAD

    Originally the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, GLAAD was founded in 1985. It works to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural acceptance for LGBTQ+ people, including the transgender community.

  3. The Trevor Project

    Established in 1998, The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide vital support and resources specifically for transgender youth.

  4. Transgender Law Center

    Founded in 2002, the Transgender Law Center is the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. They engage in litigation, policy advocacy, and public education.

  5. Sephora

    Founded in France in 1970, Sephora is a multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products. The company has supported the transgender community through initiatives like 'Bold Beauty for the Transgender Community,' offering free makeup classes and resources.

  6. Levi's

    Founded in 1853, Levi Strauss & Co. is a global leader in denim. Levi's has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, including annual Pride collections with proceeds benefiting organizations that advocate for the transgender community.

  7. TomboyX

    Founded in 2014, TomboyX is a gender-neutral apparel company committed to creating comfortable, high-quality clothing for all bodies. They actively support and partner with organizations that serve the transgender and broader LGBTQ+ community.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Hero

Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992) was a Black transgender woman, drag queen, and prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. A key participant in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, she co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Sylvia Rivera, providing housing and support for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Johnson's activism and dedication to marginalized communities continue to inspire the fight for transgender rights and visibility.

Transgender Day of Remembrance timeline

1975
Minneapolis led the way

Minneapolis became the first U.S. city to pass a law prohibiting the discrimination of transgender people.

1999
Transgender Day was founded

Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in order to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman.

2010
Transgender Day was globally recognized

The day was observed in more than 185 cities across more than 20 countries.

2014
And the Emmy goes to...

Laverne Cox, who starred in 'Orange Is the New Black,' is the first openly trans person to earn an Emmy Award nomination.

Transgender Day of Remembrance FAQs

When is Transgender Day of Remembrance?

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2026 falls on Friday, November 20. This annual observance is a crucial time for reflection and advocacy, honoring those lost to violence.

Why is Transgender Day of Remembrance observed?

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed to memorialize transgender individuals who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and anti-transgender violence. It serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for greater acceptance and protection for the transgender community.

How many transgender people are victims of violence each year?

While exact numbers are difficult to track globally due to underreporting, dozens of transgender and gender non-conforming people are victims of fatal violence each year in the U.S. alone, with transgender women of color disproportionately affected.

What is the difference between Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Day of Visibility?

Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20) is a solemn day dedicated to mourning and honoring transgender individuals lost to violence. It focuses on the somber reality of anti-trans hate crimes.

How to Observe Transgender Day of Remembrance

  1. Attend candlelight vigils, food drives, and film screenings

    A vigil enables you and your peers to honor those who lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. You can also start up a food drive to raise money and awareness for the transgender community.

  2. March on

    One of the best ways to raise money and show support is to participate in a marathon or walk-a-thon that contributes to the transgender cause.

  3. Support transgender rights groups

    They include The Audre Lorde Project, Casa Ruby, Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement and more. Research groups in your area that support the LGBTQ+ community, and encourage others to donate as well.

3 Inspiring Transgender Celebrities

  1. Caitlyn Jenner

    Jenner's not just the star of the reality show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." She's also an Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete who reshaped the transgender movement.

  2. Carmen Carrera

    Carrera's a burlesque and drag performer who has appeared on RuPaul's "Drag Race," as well as "Cake Boss," and "Real Housewives of New York City." She's petitioning to become Victoria Secret's first transgender model.

  3. Laverne Cox

    Cox is the first trans woman of color to play a leading role in a mainstream scripted television show. She's a two-time Emmy nominee for "Outstanding Guest Actress" in the Netflix hit "Orange Is The New Black."

Why Transgender Day of Remembrance is Important

  1. It's a time for reflection

    The day encourages us to stop and reflect on the transgender community — specifically the abuse many of them face as they attempt to lead their everyday lives. It's also meant to help spark transgender advocacy, support, and change across the U.S.

  2. It encourages empathy

    This day offers the opportunity for others to better understand the stigma, discrimination and barriers that many transgender people face. This understanding can lead to deeper empathy, and can remind us that we are all more alike than we are different.

  3. It offers hope

    Transgender Day of Remembrance invites communities to come together and unify against the powers of hate and fear.

Transgender Day of Remembrance dates

Year Date Day
2026 November 20 Friday
2027 November 20 Saturday
2028 November 20 Monday
2029 November 20 Tuesday
2030 November 20 Wednesday