25th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance to Honor Rita Hester and Transgender Community

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Photo via Adobe.
Photo via Adobe.

 BOSTON  — The 25th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) will be commemorated with three days of events and community gatherings from November 15—17, 2024. While TDOR is officially observed on Wednesday, November 20, Boston's city-wide events will begin the weekend prior to honor the lives of transgender people lost to violence and to support those who continue to face threats of discrimination and harm.

TDOR was established following the unsolved 1998 murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman in Allston, Massachusetts. Over two decades later, Rita's tragic story remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice, particularly for transgender people of color. This year's events, organized by a coalition of transgender-led advocates and community groups, continue to highlight the urgency of addressing the disproportionate violence and discrimination faced by the transgender community.

"We strive to create spaces for connection and healing, recognizing the emotional and physical toll that rising anti-trans violence and political hostility have on our community," said Chastity Bowick, TDOR planning committee member. "This year, we are especially focused on offering tangible resources and support, while continuing to demand justice for Rita and all trans people lost to violence."

The TDOR 2024 events aim to provide a platform for reflection, support, and collective action. Community members and allies are invited to join in solidarity and work together to foster justice, equity, and safety for all transgender individuals.

Schedule of Events:

Day 1 — Friday, November 15, 2024
Film Screening of Marsha P. Johnson Institute and Trans Ball
Location: The Pryde, 59 Harvard Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136
Time: 6:00 PM — 11:00 PM

Day 2 — Saturday, November 16, 2024
25th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremony & Vigil
Location: Episcopal Cathedral Church, 138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111
Time: 5:00 PM — 8:30 PM

Day 3 — Sunday, November 17, 2024
Trans Day of Remembrance Brunch & Safety Toolkit Introduction
Location: The Pryde, 59 Harvard Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136
Time: 11:00 AM — 2:30 PM

The TDOR organizing committee is made up of trans-led, trans-informed, and trans-focused organizations and community leaders, including Chastity Bowick Consulting, TransResistance, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, MassEquality, Network LaRed, and The Theatre Offensive. The event is hosted by TransResistance and Chastity Bowick Consulting, represented by Stxph Viana and Chastity Bowick.

About Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR): TDOR was established in 1999 by Gwen Smith, a trans woman, to honor the memory of Rita Hester and other transgender people who have been victims of violence. The event has since become a global observance to honor the lives lost and raise awareness of the ongoing violence faced by transgender people, particularly transgender people of color.