vijara:

a few things to keep in mind on trans day of remembrance today:

• trans day of remembrance (TDOR) was created in 1999 by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a trans woman who was killed in 1998. TDOR is a day to pause and honor the trans individuals whose lives were taken by transphobic violence.

• black and latinx trans folks (particularly trans femmes and trans women of color) are disproportionately targeted by transphobic violence and are at a much higher risk for experiencing unemployment, homelessness, and barriers to healthcare. queer/trans people of color face different challenges than white trans folks; many of those challenges being rooted in white supremacy. it is crucial to make space today and every day for a more critical understanding of transphobic violence that takes intersections of race and class into account, and crucial that each and every one of us strives to uplift and amplify the voices of transgender people of color.

• trans folks in prison are at especially high risk for suicide, harassment, sexual abuse, violence, etc, and are often left out of or unable to take part in conversations such as these. trans folks are often placed into prisons that do not correspond with their gender identity, have trouble accessing trans-related healthcare or prescriptions such as hormones, and are often not permitted to present as the gender they identify as. if you want to support incarcerated trans folks on trans day of remembrance, you can write to a trans prisoner through organizations like the Prisoner Correspondence Project or by getting involved with the Trans Prisoner Day of Action and Solidarity.

more ways to get involved:

• be vocal in your support of trans folks. speak up. actively call out transphobia when you see it. do your research, be well-informed, educate yourselves and others.
• support trans-friendly shelters in your area by donating resources, time, food, money, etc. 
• donate to the Trans Lifeline, The Trevor Project, or the LGBT National Help Center
• support trans people of color by boosting the Trans Day of Resilience artwork and donating to organizations like the Trans Women of Color Collective 

today is a great day to reflect and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives, but let us also work to center the lives, stories, and work of trans people who are still living. death should not be the first time we hear their names.