The 519’s official statement ahead of the Trans Day of Remembrance 2024.
For media requests, email Media@The519.org. Click here for more details about The 519’s TDoR commemoration on November 20.

This November 20 is the 25th anniversary of the Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR). Together, we mourn and honour the 2 Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse lives lost. We remember Rita Hester, in whose memory TDoR was first commemorated, and who continues to await justice. 

We’re living in a time of great fear and uncertainty, when the rights and safety of our 2 Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse siblings are being attacked. Whether it is accessing gender-affirming health care or deciding when it feels safe to come out, our rights to agency and self-determination are under continued and increasing threat. 

A September 2024 study found that state-level anti-trans laws have been linked to a 7 to 72% increase in suicide attempts among trans youth in the U.S. Recent events have led many people to question their safety, with some even considering leaving the country for safer havens. We know that a lot of this sentiment will spill over the border; Canada is not immune to hate. No one deserves to feel this way. We resist these repressive and violent policies and will not be divided by fear. 

Transphobia kills. 448 people lost their lives globally between October 2023 and October 2024. That’s more than one person per day, and these numbers only reflect recorded cases. Many trans deaths go unreported. Today we remember all those lost to to transphobia, hate crimes, illness, substance use, suicide, misogyny, institutional and legislative violence, and murder.  

Youth, BIPOC people, and people who do sex work are among those most impacted. These losses are real. These aren’t just numbers – they are people who had dreams and aspirations, and are dearly loved and missed. 

Our theme for TDoR 2024 – Grieving the Past to Protect our Future – reflects on the contradiction and complexity of the day. On one hand, it’s a memorial honouring trans community members who should have been here with us today. On the other, it’s a celebration of our beautiful existence and continued resistance. 

In their essay “Grief Belongs in Social Movements, Can We Embrace It?”, poet and activist Malkia Devich-Cyril reminds us that grief is necessary for our collective healing and liberation: “As we seek to breathe a new world into being, being an effective changemaker demands the right and power to feel our losses rather than escape them. We must give our grieving bodies what they need, individually and collectively.” 

In our grief, we find solidarity and resilience. But resilience shouldn’t be a burden placed solely on us. Resiliency requires access to safety, support, and community, which are privileges denied to many trans people. This TDoR, we ask our allies, leaders, and policymakers to share the responsibility of resilience. We ask you to challenge hate, foster safer environments, and embrace our community’s right to thrive. 

In acknowledging the hardships, losses, and ongoing resistance of 2 Spirit, trans, and non-binary people, our commitment to fight for a safer future and world is renewed. We’re also uplifted by recent moments of hope; in places like New Brunswick, where threats to trans rights have been defeated; the state of Delaware, US which elected the first openly trans woman to serve in Congress; and in leaders like Uzoma Asagwara, Manitoba’s current non-binary Deputy Premier. We’re reminded that change is possible. A better world is possible.

Our collective grief is not just a remembrance; it is a call to action. Join us. 

TDoR at The 519:  

 Join The 519 for our commemoration of TDoR:  

• When: Wednesday, November 20 

• Where: Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.] and online, via Zoom 

• Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., event begins at 6 p.m. ET

Highlights: Opening Ceremony Performances Candlelight Vigil Dinner and more…  

You don’t need to register to attend in person unless you require childminding or plan to attend virtually (to receive Zoom link).  

Click here for more details.

Questions? Contact Community@The519.org 

Media enquires: Media@The519.org