How churches can mark Transgender Day of Remembrance
On November 20, communities around the world observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)—a solemn occasion to honour transgender and nonbinary people whose lives have been lost to violence and hatred. It has been our honour here at Open Table Liverpool and St Bride’s to mark this day for many years.
Transgender people face disproportionate levels of violence, discrimination, and isolation. Since 1st January 2025 238 people have died, the level of violence is harrowing and the numbers continue to grow each year. Here in the UK over the last five years, hate crimes against trans people have increased by 186%.
In 2017, the General Synod of the Church of England passed a motion affirming the need to welcome and affirm transgender people in parish life. Taking time for public remembrance affirms the worth of each and every human being and can signal that your church is a place of refuge and advocacy.
What can I do to support TDOR?
Raise your awareness by learning about the experiences of Trans People. This resource is a great place to start.
Add your pronouns to your email signature or social media. This can signal to a trans person that you understands the barriers they face in life and are a safe person to talk to. Read more here.
Reach out to your trans family and friends and assure them of your support, love and friendship.
Attend a TDOR vigil in your area. There are currently two scheduled for Liverpool:
Sunday 16th November at 1pm at Museum of Liverpool
Sunday 16th November at 6.30pm at St Bride’s Liverpool led by the Interim Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley
Hold a service or use some resources in an existing service at your church.
Here are some resources ideas to help you plan a service or to add prayers to an existing service:
A Prayer for TDOR
This prayer was written by our curate the Revd Lu Skerratt-Love:
“God of all creation, whose wisdom and love is boundless you have many names, and you are beyond all divisions of gender. As we come together to remember those transgender people who have been killed, taken their own lives or been injured, help us to honour their identities, and the identities of all people. Help us to create a world where everyone can live with authenticity and dignity. Help us all; who belong to every gender and sexuality, to live our own lives in true fulfilment of our different identities, in fellowship with each other and in the Love of Christ. Amen.”
Some suggested Scripture Readings
Psalm 139:7–18 – “You knit me together in my mother’s womb… I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
1 Corinthians 12:14–26 – “The body does not consist of one member but of many.”
Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:31–39 – “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.”
Matthew 22:37–40 – “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Hymn Suggestions
Let Us Build a House Where Love Can Dwell – Marty Haugen
In Heav’n We Are Ourselves Entire – Jay Hulme & Yshani Perinpanayagam
Songs for the Holy Other – Hymns affirming LGBTQIA+ inclusion
For everyone born a place at the table – Shirley Erena Murray
Resources for Worship
Trans folk are such a blessing to our community here at St Bride’s and Open Table. Marking days like TDOR we can stand in solidarity with the pain and grief and help to create spaces of welcome.