New York City, November 21, 2025
On November 20, activists gathered at the Stonewall National Monument for a candlelight vigil to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance. The event included reading names of victims and moments of silence, reflecting on anti-transgender violence. This annual observance serves as a call for solidarity and advocacy for the transgender community.
New York City Commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance with Candlelight Vigil at Stonewall National Monument
New York City – On November 20, 2025, dozens of activists and supporters gathered at the Stonewall National Monument in Manhattan to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance. The event featured a solemn candlelight vigil, reflecting on the lives lost to anti-transgender violence over the past year.
Event Details
- Date: November 20, 2025
- Location: Stonewall National Monument, Manhattan, New York City
- Activities: Candlelight vigil, reading of names, moments of silence
Background on Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed annually on November 20 to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. The day was founded in 1999 by a group including Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Nancy Nangeroni, and Jahaira DeAlto, to honor the murders of Black transgender women Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett in Massachusetts. Since then, TDoR has been observed worldwide, with activities such as candlelight vigils, dedicated church services, marches, art shows, food drives, and film screenings.
Stonewall National Monument’s Role
The Stonewall National Monument, established in 2016, commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal event in the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Located in Manhattan’s West Village, the monument includes the historic Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park, serving as a symbol of LGBTQ resilience and history.
Recent Developments
In June 2025, the National Park Service removed transgender and Progress Pride flags from the Stonewall National Monument, aligning with Executive Order 14168, which mandated the cessation of “gender ideology” promotion in federal areas. This decision sparked controversy and protests, as many felt it erased the contributions of transgender individuals to the LGBTQ rights movement.
Significance of the Vigil
The candlelight vigil at the Stonewall National Monument serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community. It provides a space for reflection, solidarity, and a collective commitment to combating transphobia and violence. The event underscores the importance of remembering those lost and advocating for a more inclusive and just society.
Looking Ahead
As the transgender community continues to face challenges, events like the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil at the Stonewall National Monument play a crucial role in fostering awareness, unity, and advocacy. They highlight the resilience of the community and the ongoing need for support and recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is an annual observance on November 20 to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. The day was founded in 1999 to honor the murders of Black transgender women Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett in Massachusetts.
What is the Stonewall National Monument?
The Stonewall National Monument, established in 2016, commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal event in the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Located in Manhattan’s West Village, the monument includes the historic Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park, serving as a symbol of LGBTQ resilience and history.
Why was the Transgender and Progress Pride flags removed from the Stonewall National Monument?
In June 2025, the National Park Service removed transgender and Progress Pride flags from the Stonewall National Monument, aligning with Executive Order 14168, which mandated the cessation of “gender ideology” promotion in federal areas. This decision sparked controversy and protests, as many felt it erased the contributions of transgender individuals to the LGBTQ rights movement.
What is the significance of the candlelight vigil at the Stonewall National Monument?
The candlelight vigil at the Stonewall National Monument serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community. It provides a space for reflection, solidarity, and a collective commitment to combating transphobia and violence. The event underscores the importance of remembering those lost and advocating for a more inclusive and just society.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | November 20, 2025 |
| Location | Stonewall National Monument, Manhattan, New York City |
| Activities | Candlelight vigil, reading of names, moments of silence |
| Significance | Honoring lives lost to anti-transgender violence, fostering solidarity, and advocating for a more inclusive society |
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