Today, November 20th, is the Transgender Day of Remembrance (#TDoR). According to the official TDoR website, TDoR was established in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor Rita Hesler and all other trans* people who have died from anti-trans hate crimes and violence.

Although recent events have brought the ways the federal government (and other levels of government) define and choose to recognize gender under scrutiny, the consequences of trans erasure and transphobia are, unfortunately, not new or rare. The National Center for Transgender Equality states that “more than one-in-four trans people has faced a bias-driven assault, and rates are higher for trans women and trans people of color.” Those who have intersecting marginalized identities bear the brunt of violence; it is no coincidence that the overwhelming majority of trans murders are of women of color, especially black women.

At OPL, we mourn the senseless loss of life due to anti-trans violence and celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people. During challenging times, we want to remind you that you are worthy of care, dignity, and respect. We are committed to helping all people Explore, Connect, and Grow; you are always welcome here.

Resources:

OPL

After Orlando: A Queer Latinx Book Altar
Books by Trans and Gender Variant Authors
Celebrate Pride Month with New LGBTQ Books
Great LGBTQ Children’s Books
LGBTQ+ Books for Oakland Pride
OPL Teens Sex & Sexuality

Online Resources & National Organizations

Center for Black Equity
Database of transgender homicides, 2010-2018
Gender Spectrum Online Resources
GSA Network
Human Rights Campaign International
Know Your Rights (National Center for Transgender Equality)
Lambda Legal
LGBT National Help Center
Map of Gender-Diverse Cultures
National Black Justice Coalition
Our Family Coalition Online Resources
Practical POC Tips for Fighting the Trump Administration's Latest Assault on Trans People
The Trevor Project
Transgender Day of Remembrance Official Page

Local Groups & Organizations (locations in Oakland unless otherwise noted)

Gender Spectrum
Lavender Seniors (East Bay)
Pacific Center for Human Growth (Berkeley)
Oakland LGBTQ Community Center
Our Family Coalition (SF & East Bay)
The Brown Boi Project
Transgender Law Center
Somos Familia
Qulture Collective

American Library Association Resources

ALA strongly protests rollback of protections for our nation’s transgender students
Access to Library Resources and Services Regardless of Sex, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sexual Orientation
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT)
#TBT – Transgender Day of Remembrance – November 20