Transgender Awareness Week & Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025

November 13-20, 2025

Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19) raises visibility for transgender people and addresses issues the community faces, culminating in Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 — an international day to commemorate trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming
lives lost to anti-trans violence and discrimination. TDOR was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith following the murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman killed in Allston, Massachusetts in 1998.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston

Trans Artists Showcase Saturday, November 15 A night celebrating trans brilliance across all art forms with performances, open mic, visual art vendors, and community magic. FREE, RSVP required. Organized by @helpbyamg, @tqncboston, and @transresistancema. Details: linktr.ee/helpbyamg

Trans Flag Memorial Sunday, November 16 Volunteers needed to help place flags memorializing trans and nonbinary siblings lost. Each flag represents a life, a story, a person who should still be with us. FREE, RSVP required. Organized by @helpbyamg, @tqncboston, and @transresistancema. Details: linktr.ee/helpbyamg

Self-Care is Resistance Monday, November 17 An intentional evening centering rest, reflection, and joy for trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive community to recharge, connect, and reclaim rest as an act of resistance. Allies welcome with care and consent. FREE, RSVP required. Organized by @helpbyamg, @tqncboston, and @transresistancema. Details: linktr.ee/helpbyamg

Boston's 26th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Thursday, November 20 Organized by Queer History Boston

Community Vigil: 7:00-8:45 PM Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115 Featuring a reflection on TDOR history, reading of names, and candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of those lost to anti-trans violence.

Community Dinner: 9:00-11:00 PM Simmons University, Linda K. Paresky Conference Center, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 A space for connection, conversation, and collective care.

"Transgender Day of Remembrance is both a memorial of the transgender and nonbinary people lost to violence and injustice and a reminder of the systemic inequities that we continue to face, especially amidst a federal administration seeking to eradicate our community as a whole. However, we remain vigilant as ever, rooted in care and community."

Hyannis (Cape Cod)

Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Sunday, November 17, 2:00-4:00 PM In-person vigil to honor and remember victims of anti-transgender violence, 529 Main Street, Hyannis, MA

North Shore/Peabody

North Shore Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Thursday, November 20 Peabody Essex Museum Organized and led by members of the trans community, featuring trans speakers and the traditional reading of names, followed by an open mic. Presented by the North Shore LGBTQ Network in partnership with NAGLY and the Peabody Essex Museum. Open to all ages and all gender identities. Supportive allies welcome. Note: Attendees are prohibited from taking photos during the vigil.

Pittsfield (Berkshires)

Trans Day of Remembrance Celebration: Existence is Resistance Friday, November 21, 7:00 PM Pittsfield, Western Massachusetts The 2nd annual seeing rainbows TDOR event brings performers from across the region, featuring local poet and choreographer Gillian Ebersole (they/them), ambient lo-fi dream pop musician bobbie (he/they), anti-disciplinary artist Dorian Wood (she/they), and DJ Michael V (he/him). Includes an altar of remembrance created by local artists and food by Farah Momen of Bondhu. All ages/all identities event. Participants encouraged to mask as an act of community care. Pay-what-you-can; $30 suggested, $60 sponsors another's attendance. Curated by Michelle Daly.

RHODE ISLAND

Kingston

University of Rhode Island Trans Awareness Week & TDOR Vigil November 13-20 URI Gender and Sexuality Center hosts week-long celebration with vigil to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance. Details: events.uri.edu

Statewide

TGI Network of Rhode Island TDOR Event Thursday, November 20 TGI Network of Rhode Island typically hosts a commemorative service. Contact: tginetwork.org for details. TGI Network is Rhode Island's only 501(c)3 nonprofit organization solely focused on Transgender, Gender diverse, and Intersex issues.

MAINE

Portland

PFLAG Portland Maine TDOR Vigil Thursday, November 20, Equality Community Center, Portland PFLAG Portland Maine has historically hosted Transgender Day of Remembrance vigils at the Equality Community Center with in-person and streaming options. Contact: pflagportlandmaine.org for 2025 details.

Statewide

OUT Maine is also an active resource for Maine's trans community. Visit: outmaine.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

National Resources