Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) to Honor the Lives of Trans People Lost to Violence

WHAT: The Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center is hosting a gathering in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). TDOR is observed annually across the globe to honor the memory of transgender, māhū, and gender-diverse people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence. This year’s ceremony will include a recitation of the names of transgender people and honor their lives. Additionally, this event will share specific tributes to local transgender community members who have passed away in the last year.

WHEN: The event will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Capitol Modern Sculpture Garden, 250 South Hotel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Parking is available at Aliʻi Place Parking Garage, 1099 Alakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.

WHO: TDOR is organized by the Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC). HHHRC serves Hawaiʻi’s communities by reducing harm and fighting stigma of HIV, hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, and poverty.

Organizers of Transgender Day of Remembrance include:

Andrew Ogata, Director of Marketing and Development, HHHRC

Dr. Rick Ramirez, a triple board-certified nurse practitioner with a concentration in LGBTQ and urgent care services, HHHRC

Maddalynn Sesepasara, Kuaʻana Project Manager, HHHRC

WHY: Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) honors the memory of transgender people who have been killed because of anti-trans violence and discrimination. There is a growing epidemic of violence against the transgender community. This somber event is an opportunity to fight against the violence and discrimination that transgender people face in their homes, schools, and communities.

A recent survey on National Transgender Discrimination, which interviewed 6,450 transgender adults, found that 53% of respondents reported being verbally harassed or disrespected in public places. Anti-transgender discrimination leads to anti-transgender violence, which also impacts young people. Research conducted by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) found that 33% of transgender youth experience physical harassment in schools.

These statistics are just part of the discrimination and violence specifically experienced by the transgender community. Transgender Day of Remembrance brings attention to the challenges the community faces, as well as honors transgender and māhū people and their lived experiences.

About Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center: ​The Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center serves Hawaiʻi communities by reducing the harm and fighting the stigma of HIV, hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, and poverty in our community. We focus our efforts on those disproportionately affected by social determinants of health, including but not limited to: people living with and/or affected by HIV, hepatitis, and substance use, and the transgender, LGBQ, and Native Hawaiian communities. We foster health, wellness, and systemic change in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific through care services, advocacy, training, prevention, education, and capacity building.