The Nashville community will commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance on Wednesday, November 20th from 7-8 pm with a reception to follow at the Scarritt Bennett Center which is located at 1027 18th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the collective transgender community paying tribute to those we’ve lost.

Started in 1999 by transgender activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith, the initial gathering was to honor the life of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who had been killed the previous year. The initial vigil honored Rita and other transgender people who had been lost since her death.

This tradition has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance where the transgender community and its allies not only remember those we have lost, but also raise awareness about the violence and discrimination the community faces on a daily basis. It also provides an opportunity to continue to discuss how to do something about it.

The Nashville Transgender Day of Remembrance will feature words of wisdom and reflections, a performance, as well as reading of those we have lost in the past year. The main ceremony will be followed a reception where local organizations that address trans and LGBTQIA+ issues will be present. Some of these organizations include: Trans Buddy Program, Mr. Friendly Tennessee, Launch Pad, Human Rights Campaign, Nashville Cares and the local chapter of PFLAG.

This year’s vigil is free to attend and all are welcome to honor and pay respect to members of the trans community we’ve lost in the last year. If you have any questions about the event feel free to email Jay Bohanon at [email protected]