The somber tradition began with the 1998 murder of Massachusetts transwoman Rita Hester, which prompted the founding of the Remembering Our Dead web project. Every year since, on the 20th of November, candlelight vigils are held in memory of Hester and the growing ranks of transgender people that have fallen, and continue to fall, victim to violence, including Gwen Araujo.

"Anti-transgender hate violence remains disturbingly pervasive in our society," says National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman. "While we must continue to fight for hate crime laws that punish perpetrators of these crimes, and employment nondiscrimination laws that rightfully allow transgender people to keep their jobs and stay off the streets where they are more vulnerable to attacks, we must also continue to help every American understand who transgender people are and how anti-transgender bias leads to discrimination and violence. Until no more of our transgender friends and family are lost to senseless hate violence, we must not rest."

In two special video messages available at HRC Back Story, two transgender ministers observe Transgender Day of Remembrance. Says Maryland pastor Drew Phoenix: "When violence is allowed to take the life of some of us because of prejudice, a bit of the divine in all of us is sacrificed.”

Continues Phoenix, "Healing and change can only happen when we allow ourselves to see the violence and suffering as it really exists, to reflect on its cost to us as a people and to mourn such loss together."

"Over the past decade," says Georgia minister Erin Swenson, "an average of one transgender person a month has been killed as a result of a hate crime. Even more frightening, these crimes are often unresolved, leaving many of us wondering if we will be next."

GLAAD, as part of its "Be an Ally & A Friend" campaign, released a 20-second PSA to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Says GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano, "It is of vital importance that all of us, regardless of our sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, observe the Transgender Day of Remembrance."

Continues Giuliano, "Transgender people face violence and discrimination every day. We all need to show our support by being allies and friends to the transgender community."

Vigils are being held worldwide tonight, with a comprehensive list available at Pam's House Blend.