Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), observed annually on Nov. 20, is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the memory of transgender individuals whose lives were tragically lost to acts of anti-transgender violence. At Emory Libraries, we recognize the profound significance of this day and stand in solidarity with our transgender students, colleagues, and community writ large.
The Significance of TDOR
TDOR was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was brutally murdered in 1998. Since then, it has grown into an international event, raising awareness about the pervasive violence faced by transgender people and the urgent need for greater acceptance and protection.
Emory Libraries’ Commitment
At Emory Libraries, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. We believe that libraries play a crucial role in promoting understanding and respect for all gender identities. In observance of TDOR, we have curated a selection of resources that highlight the stories and contributions of transgender people.
Featured Resources
Books and e-books
Explore our collection of books and e-books that delve into transgender history, memoirs, and fiction.
- Transgender History, Susan Stryker
- The Lives of Transgender People, Genny Beemyn and Susan Rankin
- Miss Major Speaks : Conversation with a Black Trans Revolutionary, Toshio Meronek
- Tomorrow Will Be Different, Sarah McBride
- The Thirty Names of Night, Zeyn Joukhadar
Films and documentaries
Watch powerful films and documentaries that shed light on the lives and struggles of transgender people.
- Pay It No Mind: Marsha P. Johnson (2012)
- The Most Dangerous Year (2018)
- Free CeCe! (2016)
- Una Mujer Fantástica (2017)
- Man Made (2019)
Academic journals and databases
Access scholarly articles and reference sources that discuss transgender issues from various perspectives, including sociology, public health, and law.
- Transgender health
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender family law
- Oxford bibliographies
- Transgender media studies
- Non-normative sexualities
How you can participate
- Attend a vigil: The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life holds an annual vigil on the evening of Nov. 20 to honor the memory of transgender individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.
- Educate yourself and others: Use the resources available at Emory Libraries to educate yourself and others about transgender issues. Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating ignorance and fostering empathy.
- Support transgender rights: Advocate for policies and practices that protect and uplift transgender individuals. Getting involved in campus-level or local organizations can be a great way to start making a difference.
Final thoughts
Transgender Day of Remembrance is a time for reflection, mourning, and action. At Emory Libraries, we are dedicated to supporting the transgender community and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion. We invite you to join us in honoring this important day and working towards a future where everyone can live authentically and safely.
—by Russ Peterson, head of instruction and engagement, Emory Libraries