This is Who We Are
The 519’s official reflection for Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) 2025. For media requests, email Media@The519.org . Click here for more details about The 519’s TDoR commemoration on November 20.
November 20, 2025, marks the 26th anniversary of the Trans Day of Remembrance. Together with our communities, we mourn and honor the lives of 2 Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people we have lost to transphobic hate and violence. The theme chosen by The 519’s TDoR committee for our commemoration this year is “This is Who We Are.”
Recognizing that no single message can capture the full range of emotions and perspectives within our community, we reflect on this year’s TDoR theme:
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We have always known who we are, deep in our bones.
In those moments when the world doesn’t see us, or when we can’t fully express ourselves, that voice deep within – quietly, steadily, and often loudly – reminds us to remember who we are.
It doesn’t matter if safety and affordability come in the way of our transition, if we aren’t ready, if we don’t need to physically transition, or if we haven’t quite matched our feelings to words yet. We know who we are, and that truth never goes away.
Even when the world tries to erase us or tear us down, one hateful word or policy at a time, we’ll always know. We want what everyone deserves: to live, work, and be treated with dignity. To walk down the street feeling safe. To be called by our name. To be able to read the news and not see our basic rights and dignity under attack.
When we gather to remember those we’ve lost, we embody who we are: human and worthy of healing, dignity, and joy.
We are our ancestors’ hopes and dreams come true.
We are the elders and caretakers of our communities.
We are children, partners, siblings, parents, and chosen family.
We are enough: 2 Spirit enough, trans enough, non-binary enough, gender-diverse enough.
We are loved, and we are cherished.
We are our truest selves.
This is who we are.
