Monday, November 20th is the 2017 Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), which memorializes trans individuals who have died because of transphobia and acts of violence against the trans community. TDOR was inspired by the vigil held for Rita Hester, a trans woman from Allston, MA, who was murdered in 1998.

Boston Pride invites all in our community to come and remember those we have lost. You may find a list of events below.

Boston’s transgender community remembers local victims Chanelle Pickett, Debra Forte, Monique Thomas, Georgette Hart, Diane Carter, Denise Pugliesi, Monique Rogers, Lisa Daniels, Rita Hester, CJ Garber, and too many more.

List of 2017 events

Boston

November 19, 2017
6pm
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111)

  • We will gather in the cathedral for a brief service, with members of the community speaking about the importance of the day, and remembering those who have been taken from us due to transphobia and violence. During the service, volunteers will read the names of trans people who have been murdered in the past year. If you would like to volunteer to be involved in the service please contact Persia: Persiabrewer@gmail.com. After the vigil we will gather together back at the cathedral for a potluck meal.

Chelmsford

November 18, 2017
6-9pm
First Parish UU Church of Chelmsford (2 Westford St, Chelmsford, MA 01824)

  • Procession on Common begins 6pm including a brief observance. Vigil begins indoors in the Chapel (next to parking lot) approximately 6:30pm

Greenfield

November 21, 2017
5-7pm
All Souls Unitarian Church (399 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301)

Harwich

November 17, 2017
5:30pm
Harwich Community Center (100 Oak St, Harwich, MA 02645)

  • A light dinner will be offered, starting at 5:30 pm. The program will begin at 6:15pm.
  • A collaboration between Fenway Health, PFLAG of Cape Cod, Independence House, Cape Cod’s Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom, First Parish Church Brewster and Eastern Bank.

Lexington

November 19, 2017
3:00-3:30pm
Emery Park (Depot Square, Lexington, MA)

  • Please join the Lexington Pride Coalition in honoring lives lost to anti-transgender violence in 2017. Event runs rain or shine.

Malden

November 20, 2017
7-7:45pm
First Parish Malden Unitarian Universalist Church (2 Elm St, Malden, MA 02148)

Needham

November 20, 2017
7pm
First Parish Church (23 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA 02492)

  • Candlelight Remembrance and Panel Celebrating the Living. Sponsored by Congregational Church Of Needham UCC, First Parish UU, First Baptist Church, Progressive Needham, Needham Diversity Inititative and others. Offering to benefit Umbrella, OUT MetroWest’s program for trans and gender non-conforming youth.
  • For more information: revmitulski@gmail.com

Northborough

November 18, 2017
6pm
Trinity Church of Northborough (23 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532)

  • Trinity Church of Northborough will show a brief movie and hold a memorial litany, followed by dinner with speaker Taj Smith. The intent is to educate us about the plight of transgender people, and to learn how communities of faith can better include them. Taj M. Smith graduated from Harvard Divinity School (HDS) with a Master of Divinity in 2016. He is a member of the United Church of Christ where he is invested in conversations that will expand hospitality to transgender and gender non-conforming people. Prior to attending HDS, he had another life as a singer/songwriter and a professional street performer. He sees no limit to the imagination and seeks out creative ways to advocate for justice, usually through artistic expression. He is an avid sci-fi lover and a longtime musician. He also really likes hats.
  • The event is free and open to the public. Donations to benefit Trinity Church’s outreach to the LGBTQ community are welcome. RSVP appreciated but not required by the link below or Trinitychurchnboro@gmail.com or by phone (508) 393-8156.

Pittsfield

November 20, 2017
7-8:30pm
Berkshire Athenaeum (1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201)

  • The Pittsfield Human Rights Commission presents ‘Trans In The Berkshires: A Conversation with members of our Trans Community’. Panelists will discuss the challenges faced by the trans community, the support groups and networks they have created, and the horrifying rise in hate-crimes against the trans community. Free – everyone welcome. For more information please contact Drew Herzig – drewherzig@yahoo.com

Worcester

November 20, 2017
7pm
Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester (90 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606)