Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the memories of transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Transgender people, especially transgender people of colour, face some of the highest rates of violent crime in the world.
In 2023, 70% of trans youth in Canada reported experiencing sexual harassment or violence. From 2008 to 2023, Transrespect Versus Transphobia Worldwide tracked 4690 murders, while recognizing that the true number of lives lost is higher.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is recognized on Wednesday, November 20. On this day and all days, it is important to elevate trans voices. We've brought together a range of library and community resources to help you learn more. We share resources to connect trans people with trans stories and to give allies more opportunities to support trans people.
Kitchener Public Library Resources
Library Programs
Saturday, November 16 at 2 p.m. at Central Library
QueerKPL: Trans Day of Remembrance Kits
Monday, November 18 to Friday, November 22 at all locations
Grand River Rainbow Collection Launch Party
Thursday, November 28 at 7 p.m. Central Library
QueerKPL is a chapter within Kitchener Public Library that provides 2SLGBTQIA+ programming and content. We welcome all members of this community and allies to these events. These events include 2SLGBTQIA+ craft kits, panel speaker events, art exhibits and more. Find all QueerKPL programs in our event listings.
Reading Lists
Kitchener Public Library has a variety of books that highlight the voices and stories of trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people. Explore the Transgender Day of Remembrance reading list for children and the reading list for adults.
Virtual Library Resources
Use your library card to discover free online resources in our Virtual Library. These are four recommended videos for Transgender Day of Remembrance.
- My Transgender Life: Seven Members of the Transgender Community Share their Stories is a documentary available on Kanopy. Hear the personal stories of transgender women and men in this moving documentary.
- Treasure: Hate Crimes Against the Transgender Community is a documentary available on Kanopy. This documentary tells the story of the murder of Shelly "Treasure" Hillard, a young African American transwoman. Amongst the violence, this documentary highlights the vibrant trans community and safe spaces within the city.
- First Stories - Two Spirited is a short documentary available on the National Film Board. Experience the empowering story of Rodney "Geeyo" Poucette's struggle against prejudice in the Indigenous community as a Two-Spirited person.
- My Prairie Home is a documentary-musical available on the National Film Board. Rae Spoon, an indie singer, shares their queer and musical coming of age in the Canadian prairies.