St. Petersburg residents gathered Thursday evening to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a solemn annual observance honoring transgender people whose lives were lost to violence over the past year.
Hosted by Allendale United Methodist Church, the event began at the Sunshine Senior Center on 5th Street North, where community members assembled with candles in hand before embarking on a peaceful candlelight procession through downtown. The walk concluded at the steps of St. Petersburg City Hall, where a memorial service and reading of names took place.
Transgender Day of Remembrance was first established in 1998 by activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor the life of Rita Hester, a transgender woman whose murder sparked national outrage and inspired a movement to memorialize victims of anti-trans violence. What began as a local vigil in Boston has since grown into a global day of reflection, mourning, and visibility.
At Thursday’s procession, local clergy, organizers, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and allies stood shoulder to shoulder, offering prayers, spoken-word reflections, and moments of silence. Participants emphasized not only the importance of remembering the victims, but also the urgent need for continued action in the fight against anti-trans discrimination, hate crimes, and legislative targeting.
Candles illuminated the crowd as attendees read the names of transgender individuals who have lost their lives this year, each name met with a moment of quiet reverence. Speakers highlighted the importance of community support, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for safety and dignity for transgender people nationwide.
Transgender Day of Remembrance remains a reminder of the lives lost, the violence still faced, and the collective responsibility to build a safer, more compassionate world.
