Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that honours the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost in acts of transphobia and discrimination.

The day was started in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender advocate, to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death, and from there became an annual observance.

It is a time to remember to the lives that have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, as well as those who have been lost to suicide; but it is also a time to celebrate the strength of the transgender and gender-diverse community in the face of advertisity, and a time for us all to come together to commit to fighting transphobia, so that we can create a safer and more inclusive world for everyone.

We at Albany Pride honour the lives lost, and celebrate the strength and resiliance of the transgender and gender-diverse community.

We reiterate our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and affirming space for the trans and gender-diverse members of our community, to advocating with and for them, and to restate you will always have a home with us.

To the transgender and gender-diverse members of our community, we urge you to remember that you are loved, and your lives matter.

As always, we encourage people that are struggling to seek support. A full list of support organisations can be found on our support page. QLife is available 3pm to Midnight every day via webchat or phone (1800 184 527), Lifeline is available on 13 11 14, and the Kids Helpline (for those 25 or under) is available on 1800 55 1800.