What is Transgender Awareness Week?

In 2020, Transgender Awareness Week will take place from 13-19 November. This week is an important time in the LGBTIQ+ calendar because it raises the visibility of trans people around the world. During this time, allies and organisations around the country, and the world, participate in Transgender Awareness Week (also called Trans Awareness Week) to help raise awareness by amplifying the voices and experiences of transgender people to the wider community.

The week is about bringing attention to issues of prejudice, discrimination and violence that affect trans and gender diverse people. More importantly it is also about celebrating the trans community, sharing their stories and taking action to educate everyone about who transgender people are.

The week culminates with Trans Day of Remembrance on 20 November.

What is Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR)?

Trans Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of the trans lives lost to acts of transphobia and discrimination.

TDOR was founded by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor her memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence that year and began an important memorial that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

TDOR is a day of gathering, togetherness, and community solidarity. We remember those we've lost, celebrate our strength in the face of adversity, and commit to fighting transphobia to create a safe and inclusive world for everyone.

Here are some resources to learn more: