By Skye Morgan

Transgender Day of Remembrance (Image: Unsplash)

November 20 marks Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) a day for everyone to mourn and remember the trans lives lost, either by suicide, hatred or discrimination.

It began on November 20, 1999, when Rita Hester, a black trans woman was murdered because of her identity in 1998. Since then, TDoR has been held annually.

Throughout the UK, there are many vigils and memorials being held for those lost.

“The day means a lot to me and to loads of people who have lost trans loved ones. Today allows me to not only remember who I have lost but also, it’s a way to honour them.

“It’s good to see how people remember the lives we have lost, like websites and memorials. It’s done with care and love and that’s important at times like this. It’s also a day where we all can reflect on what we can be doing more to help the trans people who are struggling.” - Someone who lost a trans loved one.

Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil (Image: Getty Images)

We live in a society that is continuously trying to erase the existence of trans people.

William Wallace, activist from Trans Kids Deserve Better Scotland, said: “Our children are dying, and they are given no justice! We fight not just for the trans kids alive today, but for those who have been laid to rest. We will not let their pain go untold.

“To all we have lost, kids or adults, we see you. We hold you within us every single day. Your names will never be forgotten; we call them out as our battle cry.

“Think now about those we have lost, think of the ones you love.

“Rita Hester, 34 years old, we hear you. Dwayne Jones, 16 years old, we hear you. Brianna Ghey, 16 years old, we hear you. Mercedes Williamson, 17 years old, we hear you.

“We must hold on to our joy, we cannot let them take out trans joy, our hope. Today, we mourn, tomorrow, we riot.”

Attend your local vigil, light a candle or talk about a trans loved one that has been lost, speaking their name and telling their stories keeps them alive and governments won’t be able to forget them.