In memory of loved ones lost to acts of anti-transgender violence.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.  Additionally, during the week of November 13-19, people and organizations around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility of transgender people and address the issues trans people face.  Along with honoring the memory of those lost to acts of anti-transgender violence, the transgender community is also honoring long time community organizer for TDOR, Dawn Munro who passed away last month.

This year, we are bringing attention to transmen who have died by suicide, such as comedian Daphne Dorman.

On a national level, 40% of transgender adults report having made a suicide attempt.  92% of these individuals report having attempted suicide before the age of 25, and it is estimated that 1 in 3 trans or non-binary youth have made a suicide attempt (Trevor Project). Compared to the general youth population, attempts are higher among trans youth in the US (Youth Risk Behavior Survey)

  • 19% of all teens have seriously considered suicide
  • 15% have made a plan to attempt suicide
  • 8% have attempted suicide
  • 2.5% have been injured by a suicide attempt.

This study found that transgender youth are more likely than cisgender youth to die by suicide, attempt suicide, plan a suicide attempt, have an attempt that requires medical care, and non-suicidal self- injury.  A 2015 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality estimated the transgender suicide rate to be almost nine times higher than that of the overall population.

If you are having thoughts of suicide and need to talk with another trans identifying individual, call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860.

This year’s Trans Awareness Week is imperative!!!

Currently, we have reached an alarming 22 murders of transwomen of color.  It’s important we continue to educate, advocate, and strengthen our community through health and wellness.  As always, it is important that we focus our attention on the safety of transwomen of color.

Awareness Events and Resources

Mazzoni Center’s OUR WAY is extremely proud to announce that a part of this year’s Trans Awareness Week will be a Wall of Remembrance in our lobby that will stay up until the end of November.  In addition, on November 17 we hosted our Second Annual Trans Awareness Ball hosted by three transwomen of color from the Philadelphia area.  It is our hope that in this second year we will bring even more awareness to the things we face daily to start the healing process for so many of our sisters whose lives were taken too soon. On November 20, 2019  THE ANNUAL TDOR event will be held at the William Way Community Center.

For support and resources please visit:  Mazzoni Center Trans Resource Guide

About the Author

My name is Tatyana Woodard, and I am the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Mazzoni Center OUR Way Tran’s wellness program, the only program at the nonprofit organization that is operated by trans people, with services especially designated for the trans community. I used a community-centered approach to develop the program, collecting data from community assessment surveys for trans-identifying people on the things they need for transitioning and daily life. Every week, I facilitate OUR Way’s OUR Space, a community drop-in where participants meet weekly. The meetings feature art-therapy sessions, creative-writing exercises, one-on-one peer support and an advice hour. Community members can also obtain SEPTA transportation passes, food, and wigs as well as clothing from the “Clothing Closet.”