Every year on Nov. 20, people come together to remember those who were murdered because they were Transgender. This day is known as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).

According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), in 2016 at least 21 transgender people have been fatally shot, stabbed, or killed by other violent means.

Students Who Are Not Silent (SWANS) held a vigil on Nov. 17, to remember those lost in 2016.

For SWANS president Flo Perez this day is an moment to remember those who were lost due to hate.

“Transgender Day of Remembrance is a reminder that I need to continue being proud of identifying as transgender, being the best advocate for transgender equality,” Perez said.

The event consisted of a candlelight vigil, with a speech from Perez, and a slideshow with the names of most of the Transgender people who were killed in 2016. The added sound effect of a gong gave a dramatic effect and the looks on attendees faces were emotional. After the slideshow, there was an open discussion on TDOR.

For SWANS Publicity Officer Jay Cortez, the event is a moment to take time and appreciate those.

“It’s important to remember that Trans people are frequently discriminated against, but many of them still live their every day lives despite the hate against them,” Cortez said.

When asked what to do if someone is being discriminated, SWANS member Jessie Segura had this simple but helpful piece of advice.

“Speak up and report it, simple as that. If you don’t do anything then people are going to continue and bully you and think that it’s ok. It’s never ok,” Segura said.

Perez hopes that the people who attended the event got the message that trans-phobia is an issue and that people should be made aware of it.

“There might be times that a person may “pass” as cisgender and is actually trans but that just goes to show that transgender people are just like everyone else. We are normal,” Perez said.

SWANS is hoping for more awareness in the future, with hopefully more people attending the events. Compared to last years event, there were more people present at TDOR with an estimated 30 attendees.

“I’m really proud of how far along SWANS has come. People who attended TDOR this year was way more than last year. It shows that we’re bringing awareness to campus,” Segura said.