Trans Day of Remembrance is an internationally observed annual tradition held during Transgender Awareness Month (November), to honor individuals who have died throughout the world over the previous year because of anti-transgender hatred. This year, many communities in Massachusetts are observing the tradition with events taking place Friday through Tuesday, Nov. 17–21 across the state.
Here is the events line-up provided by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition:
Berkshires—Monday, November 20, 7–8:30 p.m. The Pittsfield Human Rights Commission presents ‘Trans In The Berkshires: A Conversation with members of our Trans Community’. Panelists will discuss the challenges faced by the trans community, the support groups and networks they have created, and the horrifying rise in hate-crimes against the trans community. Free – everyone welcome. Click here for details.
Boston—Sunday, November 19, 6 p.m. Boston’s annual Trans Day of Remembrance will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont Street. Click here for details.
Cape Cod— Friday, November 17, 5:30 p.m. Cape Cod honors Trans Day of Remembrance at the Harwich Community Center. Click here for details.
Chelmsford—Saturday, November 18, 6–9 p.m. The First Parish UU Church of Chelmsford, 2 Westford Street (on the Chelmsford Common): Procession on the Common begins 6 p.m. including a brief observance, and a vigil begins indoors in the Chapel (next to parking lot) at approximately 6:30 p.m. Click here for details.
Greenfield—Tuesday, November 21, 5–7 p.m. Trans Day of Remembrance is observed at the All Souls Unitarian Church, 399 Main Street. Click here for details.
Lexington—Sunday, November 19, 3–3:30 p.m. The Lexington Pride Coalition invites everyone to join them in honoring lives lost to anti-transgender violence in 2017 at Emery Park (Depot Square). The event runs rain or shine.Click here for details.
Malden—Monday, November 20, 7–7:45 p.m. A Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil takes place at the First Parish Malden Unitarian Universalist Church at 2 Elm Street. Click here for details.
Needham—Monday, November 20, 7 p.m. A Candlelight Remembrance and Panel Celebrating the Living, is being held at the First Parish Church, 23 Dedham Avenue. The event is being sponsored by the Congregational Church Of Needham UCC, First Parish UU, First Baptist Church, Progressive Needham, Needham Diversity Initiative and others. An offering will be taken to benefit Umbrella, OUT MetroWest’s program for trans and gender non-conforming youth. For more information, email revmitulski@gmail.com.
Northborough—Saturday, November 18, 6 p.m. Trinity Church of Northborough, 23 Main Street, is showing a brief movie and holding a memorial litany, followed by a dinner with speaker Taj Smith. The intent is to educate us about the plight of transgender people, and to learn how communities of faith can better include them. The event is free and open to the public. Donations to benefit Trinity Church’s outreach to the LGBTQ community are welcome. RSVP appreciated but not required at Trinitychurchnboro@gmail.com or (508) 393-8156.
Worcester—Monday, November 20, 7 p.m. Observations of Trans Remembrance Day is being held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester 90 Holden Street. Click here for details.
The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes individuals who have died throughout the world in the previous year because of anti-transgender hatred. Each November, the worldwide transgender community turns its attention to family, friends and loved ones lost to violence and prejudice. A tradition inspired by the Allston, Massachusetts vigil for Rita Hester, a trans woman murdered in 1998, this day has become the worldwide rallying point for a community long under siege.
