Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 13 of her Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution commemorating November 20, 2024, as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The House companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Mark Pocan (D-WI).

“No one should have to live their lives in fear simply for existing as they are. With anti-transgender hate on the rise across the country, it is more important than ever that we protect and support transgender and gender-nonconforming communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to sponsor this resolution to raise awareness of the discrimination and dangers that transgender communities face, and to honor the memories of the transgender and gender-nonconforming people whose lives were lost in violence. Transgender rights are human rights, and I will continue fighting so every person can live their lives freely and authentically.”

Following the still-unsolved murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman of color, Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded TDOR to honor Hester and other transgender people whose lives were lost to violence. The TDOR resolution memorializes the lives of transgender people lost due to violence in the United States and around the world.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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