Every November 20, transgender people and allies gather around the world for Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) to memorialize and remember the victims of transphobic violence killed in the last year, as well as honor the strength of the trans community in the face of hardship. This year while we mourn those we’ve lost, many of us are also grieving because of the violent targeting of trans people by the current administration and the impacts those attacks can have politically, communally, and individually. 

We also know trans people will always be here. Along with our grief, we honor the fierce resilience of the trans community. Even amidst a world where transphobic violence is all too present we can find joy, hope, and celebrate the beauty of trans people past, present, and future. These resources will help you mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) in your own way, in your own community.

Observe TDOR in your community

• Hold space to remember those who were lost this year. Share this memorial reading by SVARA faculty and Keshet Emeritus Board member Rabbi Becky Silverstein. Add this or another memorial reading to your Shabbat service.
• Consider pulling from our Transgender Remembrance Shabbat Liturgy for your next Shabbat service or utilize the whole thing for a service of your own.
• Share our Transgender Day of Remembrance memorial graphic in your social media and/or download it and post publicly in your institution.
• For many transgender people, TDOR is a hard day. Keep this in mind as you engage with your community, and consider it when planning other events on your calendar.
• If you are personally impacted, remember there is no right or wrong way to mark this day, and hold yourself with compassion. Give yourself space to grieve if you need it.

Educate yourself

• Take steps to educate yourself about transgender and non-binary people.
• Get to know the legacies of trans folks who we have lost this year, like the legendary Miss Major (watch this video and this longer interview to learn more).
• Learn how to be supportive of someone who is trans and has come out to you.
• Learn about our obligation to respect name changes.
• Get the facts: check out our resources on how to address anti-trans misconceptions.

Make plans to support trans members of your community

• Offer support with Jewish rituals that mark transgender-specific lifecycle events like name changes and gender-affirming medical procedures. (For resources, visit transtorah.org)
• Make sure your community spaces have all-gender restrooms.
• Make sure community organizations practice inclusive policies that are transgender affirming.
• Model correct pronoun and name use, and encourage your community to do the same. Show respect to trans and nonbinary community members.
• Honor living Jewish transgender leaders like Kate Bornstein, Koach Baruch Frazier, and Abby Chava Stein by reading their work or booking them to speak at your organization. You can order Keshet LGBTQ Jewish Hero posters of Kate Bornstein and Koach Frazier here.
• If you would like to get involved in Keshet’s work mobilizing Jewish communities to fight for trans rights, please contact our Community Mobilization team at [email protected]
• Reach out to Keshet’s Education and Training department for support in cultivating trans equality and belonging in your community at [email protected].