**Please note: content and links within this article contains descriptions and images of anti-LGBTQIA violence and transphobia. Please take care of yourself**
Wednesday 20 November marks the annual observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), when we honour the memory of trans people who have been lost to transphobic violence. It is an important date that offers the opportunity for everyone to reflect on how they can take an active part in fostering a safe and inclusive environment.
TDoR takes place at the end of Transgender Awareness Week (TAW). TAW and TDoR bring attention to trans and gender non-conforming people around the world, as well as raising awareness of the issues this diverse community faces, including combating transphobia, discrimination, bullying and harassment.
TDoR is a sombre day and was established in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The day acknowledges the fact that trans and gender non-conforming people continue to experience violence and oppression. It's important to remember that this is not always only a result of transphobia but also of transmisogyny, racism and the impacts of other intersecting identities.
In October 2024 the Home Office reported that there were 4,780 transgender hate crimes for the year ending March 2024; a 2% fall compared to the same reporting period for the previous year.
However, it was also noted that transgender hate crimes had been rising before the fall seen in the last year (in the year ending March 2023, 4,732 hate crimes against transgender people had been recorded – a rise of 11%), and now account for 3% of all hate crimes recorded, up from 1% a decade ago (year ending March 2014).
Underreporting may also be an issue, with research presented in The Hate Crime Report 2021 conducted by Galop, the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, noting that only 1 in 8 respondents reported their experiences of anti-LGBT+ violence or abuse to the police (13%).
Given this backdrop, it remains vitally important that we all continue to learn more and work together to support the trans community.
Listening to trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming voices telling their own stories is one of the most important things you can do to find out more about the community and to learn about their history.
In February 2024, Queen Mary marked LGBTQIA+ History Month and published a list of Media Recommendations, including books and podcasts. Library Services also have several LGBTQIA+ reading lists to explore. Many of these recommendations include lived experiences of trans people and are a great place to start.
You can also read our LGBTQA+ Glossary of Terms Booklet [PDF].
Transphobia is unlawful prejudice against trans people. It may be realised through acts of discrimination, bullying and harassment. If you experience or witness transphobia, you can report it (anonymously if you like) and / or access support through the Queen Mary Report + Support tool.
Read and share our Being a Trans Ally leaflet [PDF] to find out what we mean by ‘trans’ and what you can do to be a trans ally. You can also read our #PronounsMatter leaflet [PDF]: find out what pronouns are, how to use them, and why they matter as well as how you can show your support for gender diverse staff and students.
A Gender Neutral toilet map [PDF] of our Mile End campus is available.
At Queen Mary we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and be treated with kindness, dignity and respect and the contributions of our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming staff and students are celebrated.
Queen Mary condemns all forms of unlawful discrimination, victimisation, bullying, harassment and hate crime perpetrated against trans people and the University will take all allegations of such seriously, in line with our Dignity at Work and Study policies.
Queen Mary’s Trans Inclusion Statement of Commitment [PDF] lays out the University’s balanced approach and position to trans inclusion. As well as synthesising our legal duties it further incorporates our Values (Inclusive, Proud, Ambitious, Collegial, Ethical).
LGBT+ Society: QM LGBT Society provides a space for all members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community at Queen Mary, connecting LGBTQIA+ students through regular socials.
LGBT+ Society (Whitechapel): A society set up to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all LGBTQIA+ (and unsure!) medics, dentists, and other students studying at Barts and The London.
Togetherall is a support service available to students, offering unlimited, 24/7 accessible online support.
External Resources
Galop: Community safety charity for LGBT+ people giving advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Galop also supports LGBT+ who encounter problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.
Gender Identity Research & Education Society (GIRES): A UK wide organisation whose purpose is to improve the lives of trans and gender diverse people of all ages, including those who are non-binary and non-gender.
Gendered Intelligence (GI): A not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Their aim is to increase understandings of gender diversity. GI work with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives, specialising in supporting young trans people aged 8-25.
Mermaids: Supports young gender variant people.
Press for Change (PFC): PFC is a key lobbying and legal support organisation for Trans people in the UK. They provide legal advice, training, and research for trans people, their representatives. PFC has worked regularly with the government and partner trans organisations to inform government legislation affecting the trans community.
Switchboard: Switchboard is a helpline providing a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people.
TransBareAll: A trans led, voluntary organisation that works with trans people to explore feelings and decisions around bodies, sexual health and intimacy. TransBareAll believes in improving the health and wellbeing of trans people and provide a space for trans people to discuss and explore things that impacts their lives.
TransUnite: A comprehensive resource for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community. TransUnite connects you to a network of groups throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and can be split into physical local and online groups.