Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we join hands with transgender and gender-diverse communities across the globe to honor the lives stolen by transphobia, systemic violence, and hate. This day carries profound significance for us at Trans Youth Initiative-Uganda (TYI-Uganda), serving as a memorial and a powerful call to action, a stark reminder of our shared responsibility to confront the injustices that continue to claim lives, extinguish dreams, and perpetuate inequality.
In Uganda, where being true to one’s gender identity can come with devastating consequences, TDOR holds a deeper meaning. It is a day when we reflect on the resilience of those who navigate a hostile landscape every day and remember those who were taken too soon. Each life lost is a loss to humanity, a loss of potential, love, and light.
As we light candles and read the names of those no longer with us, we acknowledge that they were far more than statistics or faceless figures in reports. They were vibrant souls with rich, multifaceted lives, siblings, friends, and partners who brought joy, creativity and love to those around them. They were individuals with ambitions to succeed, dreams to fulfill, and the courage to live authentically in a world that often rejected them.
Their lives were tragically cut short by acts of violence born of ignorance, fueled by prejudice, and perpetuated by systemic oppression. These were not isolated incidents but symptoms of deeply entrenched societal biases that manifest in harmful policies, social exclusion, and unchecked violence.
TDOR is not just a day of mourning but a clarion call to action. It compels us to honor the memories of those we have lost by working tirelessly to dismantle the systems of oppression that threaten the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals everywhere. It urges us to replace hate with understanding, prejudice with inclusion, and indifference with action.
Today, as we reflect on their lives, let us also reaffirm our commitment to a future where such tragedies are no longer possible. A future where every transgender and gender-diverse person is free to live authentically, celebrated for who they are, and supported in achieving their fullest potential. We can transform our grief into resolve and ensure their lives are not lost in vain.
THE HISTORY OF TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE (TDOR)
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman brutally murdered in Boston, Massachusetts, in November 1998. Rita’s murder, like so many others, was met with public indifference and a lack of accountability, a reality all too familiar for transgender and gender-diverse communities worldwide.
What began as a vigil to honor Rita’s life quickly became a global movement. The vigil brought together grieving communities and allies, sparking conversations about the violence faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals and the systemic forces that perpetuate such harm. This grassroots effort highlighted a harsh truth: too many lives were being lost to transphobia, and too few people were paying attention.
Over the years, TDOR has grown into an internationally recognized day of remembrance observed annually on November 20th. It is now a time to honor all transgender and gender-diverse individuals whose lives have been taken by violence and systemic oppression. More than just a day to mourn, TDOR has become a platform for raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and demanding change.
The history of TDOR is deeply intertwined with the broader struggle for transgender rights and visibility. It reflects decades of activism, resilience, and solidarity within transgender communities that have fought for recognition, safety, and dignity. While TDOR acknowledges the devastating toll of violence, it also serves as a powerful testament to the strength and unity of transgender and gender-diverse individuals around the world.
Today, TDOR is commemorated through vigils, marches, educational events, and moments of reflection. Each year, the list of names read out at vigils grows—a sobering reminder of how much work remains to be done. However, the day also inspires hope and determination, motivating individuals and organizations to continue fighting for a world where such a list will no longer be necessary.
THE REALITY IN UGANDA
In Uganda, the stakes for transgender and gender-diverse individuals have reached an unprecedented level of urgency. The enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, with its harsh provisions and discriminatory undertones, has legitimized hate and also emboldened violence against rural transgender and gender-diverse communities. This legislation has institutionalized transphobia, turning societal prejudice into law and leaving rural transgender and gender-diverse individuals in an even more precarious position. Basic survival has become a daily struggle marked by fear, discrimination, and exclusion.
INCREASED VIOLENCE
Rural transgender and gender-diverse youth, already among the most vulnerable groups, now face heightened risks of violence. Physical attacks, sexual violence, and verbal abuse have become disturbingly common. Perpetrators of such acts often feel protected under the new law, believing that their actions are justified or overlooked by authorities. The fear of being outed or reported under the provisions of this legislation has further silenced victims, leaving them unable to seek justice or support.
Hate crimes against transgender and gender-diverse individuals are brutal, with many resulting in permanent injuries and loss of life. These incidents are rarely reported; even when they are, they are met with impunity due to institutionalized bias. For many, the very act of existing authentically is considered an act of defiance, leading to constant surveillance and targeted attacks.
RESTRICTED ACCESS
The Anti-Homosexuality Act has exacerbated the already significant barriers to accessing healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Rural transgender and gender-diverse individuals are routinely denied healthcare services due to stigma, discrimination, and fear among providers of being accused of “promoting homosexuality.” Many are turned away from hospitals and clinics, even in emergencies, because of their gender identity.
Education opportunities are equally stifled. Students who are transgender or gender-diverse face bullying, harassment, and expulsion from schools. Some are forced to drop out due to the hostility they face, leaving them with limited prospects for the future. This exclusion perpetuates cycles of poverty, as employment opportunities are often inaccessible to individuals without formal education or vocational training.
SOCIAL ISOLATION
The legislation has further entrenched social stigma, leading to widespread abandonment and isolation of rural transgender and gender-diverse youth individuals. Families often disown them, communities ostracize them, and landlords evict them, pushing them into homelessness. Many find themselves without any support network, forced to navigate life in complete isolation.
Homelessness exposes rural transgender and gender-diverse individuals to even greater risks, including exploitation, violence, and mental health challenges. With no safe spaces to turn to, they become invisible to society, struggling to survive while being denied their basic rights and humanity.
A NORMALIZED AND STATE-SANCTIONED HOSTILITY
The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 has not only institutionalized prejudice but has also normalized violence against transgender and gender-diverse people. This hostile environment has given rise to a culture of fear and silence, where allies and organizations supporting the transgender community are also targeted. The state-sanctioned hostility has discouraged the reporting of hate crimes and increased the reluctance of institutions to intervene in cases of violence and discrimination. By equating gender diversity with illegality, the law reinforces the belief that transgender and gender-diverse individuals are undeserving of rights, dignity, or protection.
WHY TDOR MATTERS NOW MORE THAN EVER
Transgender Day of Remembrance is more than a day to grieve; it is a call to wake up, speak out, and act. While we mourn those lost to violence, we also honor their legacies by doubling down on the fight for justice, safety, and inclusion.
This is a day to confront the systems that perpetuate oppression. It is a day to acknowledge the resilience of those who survive despite the odds. Most importantly, it is a day to renew our commitment to building a world where rural transgender youth women, transgender youth sex workers, and gender-diverse people can live free from fear.
TYI-UGANDA’S RESPONSE
At TYI-Uganda, we refuse to accept the status quo. Over the years, we have built a robust framework of support and advocacy to uplift our community. Despite the hostile environment, we remain steadfast in our mission:
1. Providing Safe Spaces
We have established the first temporary shelter in western Uganda for rural transgender youth, transgender youth sex workers, and gender-diverse youth, offering a lifeline to individuals who face rejection, homelessness, and violence. This space provides critical services, including psychosocial support, temporary shelter, and a sense of belonging.
We also created a drop-in center that has created a safe gender-affirming place for rural transgender and gender-diverse youth communities to access comprehensive, non-discriminatory healthcare services in a safe, welcoming space.
2. Advancing Gender-Affirming Healthcare
Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. TYI-Uganda works with healthcare providers and friendly healthcare facilities to combat stigma, improve knowledge of transgender-specific needs, and ensure that everyone can receive care that affirms their identity.
3. Documenting Stories and Violations
Our advocacy is grounded in evidence. We collect and amplify the stories of rural transgender and gender-diverse individuals to shed light on their struggles, counter harmful narratives, and push for legislative reforms.
We have undertaken several research studies to capture the lived realities of rural transgender and gender-diverse youth communities.
4. Building Community Resilience
Through programs like sports for activism, economic empowerment initiatives, and leadership training, we have empowered rural transgender and gender-diverse youth individuals to challenge oppressive systems and build sustainable lives.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
TDOR is not just for the transgender and gender-diverse community—it is for everyone who believes in justice, equality, and human dignity. Here’s how you can take action:
1. AMPLIFY OUR VOICES
Share this message. Use your platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing transgender and gender-diverse communities in Uganda.
2. ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE
Contact policymakers and demand the repeal of discriminatory laws like the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Advocate for protections that uphold the rights of all individuals.
3. SUPPORT OUR WORK
Your contributions, whether financial, in-kind or through partnerships, will help us reach more people in need. Together, we can expand our programs and amplify our impact.
4. EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Take the time to understand the systemic barriers faced by transgender and gender-diverse people. Challenge bias and misinformation whenever you encounter it.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Today, we remember lives lost but also look ahead with hope and determination. At TYI-Uganda, we envision a Uganda where:
- Rural transgender and gender-diverse individuals can walk freely without fear of violence or harassment.
- Laws and policies affirm the dignity and rights of all, regardless of gender identity.
- Communities celebrate diversity and inclusion rather than stigmatize it.
This vision is bold, but it is achievable with collective action. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to a society where no one is left behind.
JOIN US IN HONORING LIVES AND DEMANDING JUSTICE
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us turn our grief into resolve. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder with transgender and gender-diverse communities, not just today but every day. Together, we can create a world where every individual—regardless of gender identity—is free to live authentically, unapologetically, and with dignity.
#TDOR2024 #TransLivesMatter #TYIUganda #
We Remember. We Rise.
