Why SWOP Phoenix Observes Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20th marks Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a solemn occasion to honor the lives of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals lost to violence. At SWOP Phoenix (Sex Workers Outreach Project), this day is deeply personal and critical to our mission. As an organization committed to advocating for marginalized communities, including transgender individuals and sex workers, we recognize TDOR as an essential opportunity to reflect, mourn, and demand change.

The Origins of Transgender Day of Remembrance

TDOR was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman brutally murdered in 1998 in Allston, Massachusetts. Rita's death, like so many others, went largely unreported, and the media coverage she did receive was rife with misgendering and disrespect.

What began as a web-based memorial for Rita expanded into an annual international observance. Today, TDOR is marked by vigils, events, and acts of remembrance worldwide to shine a light on the ongoing epidemic of violence against transgender people.

Why Transgender Day of Remembrance Matters

The statistics are harrowing. According to advocacy groups, transgender people—especially Black and Brown transgender women—are disproportionately targeted by violence, discrimination, and systemic injustice. The Human Rights Campaign reports dozens of fatal attacks annually in the U.S. alone, though the real numbers are likely higher due to underreporting and misclassification.

For SWOP Phoenix, the importance of TDOR intersects with the realities faced by sex workers. Many transgender individuals engage in sex work as a means of survival due to widespread discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare. This overlap creates a compounded risk of violence and criminalization.

By observing TDOR, we aim to:

Amplify Trans Voices: Remember those lost while uplifting the voices of living transgender individuals and advocating for their rights.
Educate Our Communities: Raise awareness of the unique vulnerabilities transgender individuals face, especially those engaged in sex work.
Advocate for Justice: Demand accountability for the systemic oppression and violence targeting transgender people.

How SWOP Phoenix Observes TDOR

Each year, SWOP Phoenix organizes and participates in events that honor lives lost and inspire collective action. Our observances may include:

Candlelight Vigils: Creating safe spaces to mourn and reflect.
Educational Workshops: Highlighting the intersection of sex work, gender identity, and systemic oppression.
Community Solidarity: Partnering with local LGBTQ+ organizations to amplify collective efforts.

We also emphasize the need for ongoing support, including advocacy for inclusive policies, accessible resources, and harm-reduction practices for transgender individuals in our communities.

This year we are hosting a movie screening of "Check It" at Boycott Bar.

Moving Beyond Remembrance

While TDOR is a day of mourning, it also serves as a call to action. Remembering the lives lost is not enough; we must strive to create a world where transgender individuals are free to live authentically and safely. At SWOP Phoenix, we commit to standing in solidarity with transgender people not only on November 20th but every day of the year.

By observing Transgender Day of Remembrance, we affirm our dedication to honoring those we have lost and fighting for a future where such violence becomes a thing of the past.

Let us come together this November 20th to remember, resist, and recommit to justice for transgender lives.

For more information on how to participate in TDOR with SWOP Phoenix, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook or email at swopphoenix@protonmail.com. Together, we can honor the past while working toward a brighter future.