Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Awareness Week (November 13–19) is a time to celebrate transgender people, recognize their contributions, share stories, and increase understanding of the experiences and challenges facing the transgender community. The week leads up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), when we honor and remember transgender people who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence.

There are many ways to recognize these days, and everyone can choose what feels meaningful to them. You might attend a local Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil or community event, learn more about transgender history and experiences, share educational resources, support transgender-led organizations and businesses, or find ways to show up for transgender friends, family members, and neighbors. You can also honor these days in quieter ways, such as taking time to reflect, remembering those who have been lost, or reaching out to someone in the community.

We've put together a list of events and opportunities throughout Wisconsin where you can connect with others, learn, celebrate, and remember. Whether you attend an event, support a local organization, or find another way to show your support, every effort to build understanding and community matters.

Transgender people deserve to live safely, openly, and with dignity every day of the year. Help us support that vision! Please consider making a donation to support our work providing resources, education, and services to transgender people in Wisconsin. Your contribution helps us continue this important work and serve our community.

• Scorpio Market - Sunday, November 15, 12-5 PM at The Tinsmith (828 E Main St, Madison)

  • An art and fundraising event featuring artists with an alternative flair. Organized by and for local independent artists, Scorpio Market aims to improve vending opportunities and accessibility for BIPOC, queer, disabled, and emerging artists while making a positive impact in our community and beyond.

  • All market activities will be on the wheelchair-friendly ground floor. Bus stops, a bike path, paid public parking, and a limited amount of free street parking are available nearby. This event is sober and masks are required and provided.

• Felicia Melton-Smyth Holiday Gift Drive - Thursday, November 19, 5-9 PM at Shamrock Bar and Grille (117 West Main St., Madison)

  • Hosted by The Mad City Sisters, Inc.

  • Since 2002, the Felicia Melton-Smyth Gift Drive has worked to raise funds and collect donations for the clients of Vivent Health (formerly the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin) and their families who cannot afford to purchase gifts for their loved ones.

• Trans Day of Remembrance vigil - Friday, November 20, 6-7:30 PM at Brittingham Park (829 W Washington Ave, Madison) near the fire pits

  • Hosted by the Trans Resistance Action Committee (TRAC)

  • Please join TRAC as we remember those we have lost, share our stories, and come together to celebrate trans lives as a community. Feel free to bring candles, art, flowers, and your own stories for an open mic portion.

• In Loving Memory, A Trans Community Gathering - Friday, November 20, 5-6 PM, Virtual Event (ASL interpretation & CART captioning provided)

  • Hosted by Trans Remembrance Project/Advocates for Trans Equality

  • This event will be a space for our trans community and allies to find love, comfort, and strength, and feature stories and reflections from trans community leaders and artists.

• Justice Conversation Series: Transgender Day of Remembrance Service - Friday, November 20, 5:30-9 PM at Unitarian Universalist Congregation (421 S Farwell St, Eau Claire)

  • 5:30-7pm - Potluck
    A shared meal in the UUC Social Hall downstairs, with conversation topics on the tables. Bring a nut free dish to share.

    7pm-8pm Presentation and Q&A
    Transgender Day of Remembrance Service with Lake Street United Methodist (held in the UUC Sanctuary)

    Please join friends and neighbors to affirm the sacred worth and memory of those we have lost, and lift up our beloved LGBTQ+ community. All ages are welcome!

• Transgender Day of Remembrance - Friday, November 20, 5-6:30 PM at Pump House Regional Arts Center (119 King Street, La Crosse)

  • Hosted by The Center

  • You will find some local, transgender friendly resources in our resource area, have different activities to process grief, and have a space to celebrate trans joy. We will have an open mic, allowing space for attendees to share poems, mourning, happiness, and any emotions you’d like to share with us.