On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the St. Petersburg community gathered at City Hall for Transgender Day of Remembrance 2024. The event honored the lives of transgender and gender-expansive individuals lost to violence and hate, offering a space for reflection and hope for a brighter future.

The serene evening began with a march from the Sunshine Senior Center to City Hall, where participants held battery-powered candles and shared quiet moments of solidarity. A large white sign, listing the names of 30 transgender and gender-expansive individuals lost this year, stood as a solemn reminder of lives taken too soon.

Tristan Byrnes, a leader in the trans community, reflected on the history of Transgender Day of Remembrance. He shared, “We take November 20th every year to put their names into action and bring them into our hearts. As long as we honor those people on the list and love and care for each other, that’s what matters.”

Voices of Resilience at TDOR 2024

Angelique Godwin, Director of Transgender Equality at Equality Florida, delivered a heartfelt call for unity. “You cannot have community without unity,” she declared. “Far too long we’ve gone unnoticed, undermined, and ignored. But in moments like this, we stand together to honor those who can no longer speak for themselves.”

“You cannot have community without unity. Far too long we’ve gone unnoticed, undermined, and ignored. But in moments like this, we stand together to honor those who can no longer speak for themselves.”

— Angelique Godwin

Zach, a senior at USF and trans man, shared his story of perseverance. “Violence against trans people is difficult to escape, but the joy and love I feel among other trans people and allies is what carries me forward. We must stay and support those who cannot leave. The future is built on the strength of community,” he said.

Honoring Names and Building Hope

The event culminated with the reading of 30 names, ages, and locations of individuals lost this year. A moment of silence allowed attendees to reflect on the loss and the enduring importance of remembrance.

The evening concluded with a fellowship gathering at the Hollander Hotel, offering a safe space for connection and support. These moments of shared resilience highlighted the power of community and chosen family.