What is TDoR ?
The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), also known as the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, has been observed annually (from its inception) on November 20 as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. The day was founded to draw attention to the continued violence endured by transgender people.
Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 to memorialize the murder of transgender woman Rita Hester in Allston, Massachusetts. In 2010, TDoR was observed in over 185 cities throughout more than 20 countries.
It has several goals:
- commemorate all those who have been the victims of hate crimes and prejudice,
- raise awareness about hate crimes against the trans community,
- pay tribute to the deceased and their loved ones.
Usually, a memorial TDoR includes a reading of the names of those who lost their lives in the previous year (see also this list :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_killed_for_being_transgender), and may include other actions, such as candlelight vigils, art exhibitions, film screenings or walks.
How can libraries help ?
It’s important for libraries to show their support and to create a safe space for trans people. But also to to keep misinformation from circulating in communities.
- Recognize trans lives
The first action is to provide a welcoming space for audiences and the simple highlighting of collections can bring much in terms of visibility, even if, and above all, the theme of valuation is not exclusively about trans issues or kind. This presence is part of the content identification project and audiences and creates a more welcoming and reflective space for audiences less familiar with these issues.
Exemples :
- Explain why it matters : Sweden https://www-biblioteksbladet-se.translate.goog/ideer/debatt/bibliotek-ska-vara-trygga-for-transpersoner/?_x_tr_sl=sv&_x_tr_tl=fr&_x_tr_hl=fr&_x_tr_pto=nui
- Name the loss : US (Brooklyn public library) : https://www.bklynlibrary.org/blog/2021/11/19/2021-transgender-day
- Create a space with LGBT+ inclusion maps to help people settle in and feel comfortable brining their whole self to campus and our inclusion planner and inclusion maps are here to help : UK (Plymouth university) https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/university-structure/service-areas/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/lgbt-equality/transgender-day-of-remembrance
2. Make visible
Beyond that, it may be appropriate to better highlight these collections by through appropriate programming (conferences, account hours, shows, exhibitions) depending on the public served.
But more broadly, it is about taking into account the issues trans in animations talking about diversity, inclusion, equity, fluidity of genre or in any animation cycle resulting from the programming culture of a library, network, organization: Premier Novels, comics, manga, thriller … Some examples of animation:
– For an adult or student audience: Selective bibliography; Conferences, debates; Workshops digital, Wikipedia workshops; living library; exhibition featuring positive figures
Exemples :
- Selection of books : https://nouzie.com/le-20-novembre-nous-reconnaissons-la-journee-du-souvenir-trans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=le-20-novembre-nous-reconnaissons-la-journee-du-souvenir-trans
- See also : Top ten transgender books (The Guardian) https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/21/top-10-transgender-books
- Highlight some resources for transgender people, their loved ones and allies, and people who might not be sure what their gender identity : (Alachua County Library) https://www.aclib.us/blog/transgender-day-remembrance
- Create a LGBTIQA+ Library Guide : (Australia) https://libraryguides.vu.edu.au/LGBTIQ/externallinks
The public library of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe (Brussels, Belgium) set up a display of books about transidentity. There were also two panels explaining what TDoR and transidentity are. This display is the first thing you see when you come into the library:
Coincidentally, there was also an activity welcoming only LGBTQIAP+ folkx. Librarians kept 1 minute of silence to commemorate and remember the lives taken because of transphobia.
Exemples of events :
- Special event featuring a short vigil, readings and performances: (Australia) Yarra Libraries : https://library.yarracity.vic.gov.au/featured-events/2021/11/20/trans-day-of-remembrance-2021
- Workshops : (France) Name project workshop https://brrrazero.org/2021/11/14/21-11-patchwork-des-noms-1/
3. Co-build
The people best able to discuss these topics are of course transgender the people trans themselves of course. If any of your coworkers are trans, you can of course ask them if they him or her if she would agree to discuss the issues of your programming.
Exemples :
- Create task forces : Trans* Collections Project: Assessing and Building Diverse Collections https://ufl.libcal.com/event/8423348
- Have a Transgender Advocacy Council or a LGBTQIA+ work group : (Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library) https://thebuckeyeflame.com/2021/11/18/cincinnati-library-resources-honoring-transgender-day-of-remembrance/ that highlights what is done in the community, and create services toward the LGBTQ+ community
4. Create a supportive workplace
As a librarian, be aware of how you can make your workplace more inclusive and supportive of transgender and gender diverse people.
Exemple :
- Publish a guide : Guide for Working with LGBTQ+ Issues in the Library https://www.biblioteksforeningen.se/rapporter/guide-for-working-with-lgbtq-issues-in-the-library/
- Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse People in the Workplace : https://commonslibrary.org/supporting-transgender-and-gender-diverse-people-in-the-workplace/
- Create an inclusive workplace : https://hbr.org/2020/03/creating-a-trans-inclusive-workplace
- Resources
Many resources can be found online but you can reach these website to start :
IFLA LGBTQ Users 