Everything you need to know, and how to get involved

What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?

• TDoR takes place every year on 20 November and honours the memory of transgender, non‑binary and gender‑diverse people who have died because of transphobia and related violence.
• The day was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith in the U.S and it's also closely linked with Transgender Awareness Week (the week leading up to it), which helps raise visibility of trans issues.

Why does it matter to you?

While it’s easy to feel such matters are “someone else’s issue”, the reality is that transphobic prejudice and violence affect people everywhere - including universities. To remember is to recognise this, to support one another, and to build a safer campus for all.

What you should know

• The word “transgender” (often shortened to “trans”) generally refers to someone whose gender identity is different from the gender they were assigned at birth. It might also include non‑binary identities (people who don’t identify strictly as male or female).
• Being transgender is about identity, not about sexual orientation (i.e., whether someone is gay, straight, bi … that’s separate).
• On TDoR we remember and honour those lives taken by transphobic violence, but we also commit to change. To challenge prejudice. To support inclusive policies.
• The format of remembrance often includes reading out names, lighting candles, having moments of silence, and holding events that raise awareness.

How you can get involved at University of Leicester

• Attend the social being held. By showing up, you’re already making a difference.
• Bring your curiosity and openness. Come to learn, ask questions respectfully, and listen to the voices of trans/gender‑diverse students and staff.
• Be an ally. That might mean: Using the correct names and pronouns of people. Challenging yourself when you assume someone’s gender. Speaking up (kindly) if you hear or see something transphobic or exclusionary. Supporting student groups that centre trans/gender‑diverse members.
• Check out our support services (for example, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team or the Student Wellbeing Service) if you want to learn more or get involved.
• If you’re organising or participating in the event, consider simple gestures like: providing space for reflection, offering a moment of silence, or inviting someone to share their experience (if willing).

A few practical tips

• If you’re unsure of terminology (e.g., what “non‑binary” means, what pronouns someone uses), ask politely or default to neutral language (they/them) until you know.
• Respect that for some people the topic is painful or triggering. If you’re attending a vigil or reading names, hold the space with sensitivity: listen, don’t dominate.
• Don’t assume everyone present identifies as trans/gender‑diverse. The event is for all students: whether you’re cisgender, trans, non‑binary, staff or student.
• After the event: think about what you’ll do next. It doesn’t stop at 20 November. Solidarity and inclusion are ongoing.

TDoR is not just a memorial day. It’s a moment for all of us at the University of Leicester to pause, to remember lives lost to transphobia, to think about how safe and inclusive our campus is, and to act accordingly. Make sure to get involved by attending our social, or any other events held by the LGBTQ+ society.