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.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is recognized on Thursday, 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
Wednesday, November 12 at 7 p.m. at Central Library
Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. at Central Library
QueerKPL Social
Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. at 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.
Local History Collections
The Grace Schmidt Room of Local History holds the Ron Welker Collection and the Grand River Rainbow Collection. These collections feature items that showcase local trans stories.
The Grand River Rainbow Collection is a rare collection of historical items that chronicle the organizing of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities around the Grand River. It was donated by Spectrum, Waterloo Region's rainbow community space. Discover the full collection in the Grace Schmidt Room of Local History or view the digitized collection.
Virtual Library Resources
Use your library card to discover free online resources in our Virtual Library. These are three recommended videos for Transgender Day of Remembrance.
- What is Transgender Day of Remembrance? is a video available on CBC Corner. In this short video, you'll learn more about how the observance began and how it's celebrated today.
- Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story is a documentary available through the National Film Board. Jackie Shane was a 1960's rhythm and blues musician who was a prominent transgender performer in Canada.
- Chase is a documentary available on Kanopy. It follows dance Chase Johnsey as he faces challenges in his profession for questioning the gender assigned to him at birth.