Trans Day of Resilience Uses Art and Poetry to Uplift Black Trans Power and Liberation

Ten trans and non-binary visual artists and poets of color from across the country collaborated to honor Trans Day of Resilience (TDOR) by creating original artwork to celebrate their communities. The TDOR art project is an extension and re-imagining of Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), the annual event memorializing people, primarily Black trans women and femmes killed by anti-trans violence. The project’s goal is to expand the conversation towards honoring and supporting trans people while they are alive, and not just in memoriam.

Led by Forward Together, a national women of color-led organization, whose mission is to unite communities to win rights, recognition and resources for all families, the TDOR art project acknowledges how violence disproportionately impacts trans people of color. The art project simultaneously uses visual art and poetry to uplift trans power and resilience. Trans artists and poets of color are telling their own stories of resistance, hope and liberation.

“Forward Together is honored to present this project to the world for the sixth year in a row,” said Micah Bazant, Forward Together Artist in Residence. “At a time when white supremacy and anti-trans oppression are killing trans women of color, we offer this art to share our vision of trans freedom. Trans communities of color have always existed and have always used art to survive. As the government tries to erase trans people from laws and policies, art and culture are especially critical. There is no way to erase the beauty and power of trans resistance.”