TRANSGENDER ALLIANCE OF NEW JERSEY
  • Home
    • TDOR 2025 PROGRAM
  • TDOR: Past Years
    • TDOR 2024 PROGRAM >
      • TDOR: Get involved
    • TDOR 2023 PROGRAM
    • TDOR 2022 >
      • TDOR Program 2022
  • Services
  • Merchandise
  • Home
    • TDOR 2025 PROGRAM
  • TDOR: Past Years
    • TDOR 2024 PROGRAM >
      • TDOR: Get involved
    • TDOR 2023 PROGRAM
    • TDOR 2022 >
      • TDOR Program 2022
  • Services
  • Merchandise
Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed on November 20th each year, is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring and remembering transgender individuals who have lost their lives to violence and discrimination. It serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and injustices faced by the transgender community worldwide. This day is of utmost importance as it raises awareness about the need for greater acceptance, protection, and respect for transgender people, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society.

    TDOR 2023

    Please take a moment and sign in. 
    By providing your email address, you will be notified for future events. Your email will NOT be shared. 
Submit
November 20, 2023
7 PM to 9 PM


Blackbird Commons
131 Atkins Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
 
Master of Ceremony
Dr. Geena Buono

TDOR T-SHIRTS

Program Summary

​Sabrina Rondeau introducing the Master of Ceremony
TDOR Address by Dr. Geena Buono 
Song “Where do the Seasons Get Their Names” by Rick Barry performed by Rick Barry
​Political Figures
Reading of the Poem "The Guest House" by Rumi read by Julia Scotti
Song “Like a Tattoo” by Sade performed by Gillian Buono accompanied by Bob Egan on the Piano
"What Does TDOR Mean To Me?" ~ Members of the Community (1 minute per member)
​Mindfulness Meditation by Heike Zelnhefer
Reading of Victim Names by Members of the Community accompanied in the background by Bob Egan on the Piano
Song “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper performed by Gillian Buono accompanied by Bob Egan on the Piano​
​Reading from her book "Remain Silent" by Robyn Gigl
Closing Thoughts by Dr. Geena Buono
Song “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty performed by Rick Barry

full program content

Sabrina Rondeau introducing the Master of Ceremony 
​
Opening TDOR Address by Dr. Geena Buono
Picture
Song “Where do the Seasons Get Their Names” by Rick Barry performed by Rick Barry

As autumn falls upon us, I wonder if it was named intentionally or by coincidence.
Because every year around September, for as far back as I can remember, I give in and I begin falling slowly. 
And I ask is there a reason, who is at fault? Who gets to name the seasons, yeah who makes that call? 
Cause I’ve got a few suggestions and furthermore I have one question; how does one stop a year’s progression from fading so quickly?

From the first bitter breeze, I long for spring. In anticipation of the winter and the sorrow it brings. Through holidays and winter frost, I think of all the friends that I have lost and how I miss them so damn much. 

And it’s not the change of climate that fuels these thoughts, but something buried deep inside me, vacant and dark. 
The changing seasons just remind me, another year has flown right by me, four seasons older in the same wretched body. There’s no time for us to relax, I want my youth, I want my innocence back and all those days I wasted that went passing so quickly. 

Picture
Political Figures
Lauren Albrecht, Director, Advocacy and Organizing at Garden State Equality
Luanne Peterpaul, Assemblywoman-Elect
Dr. Margie Donlon, Assemblywoman-Elect
Senator Vin Gopal
Amy Quinn, Asbury Park Deputy Mayor
​Alison Myers, NJ Director of Civil Service Department
Picture
Reading "The Guest House" by Rumi read by Julia Scotti
The following reading, "The Guest House" by Rumi, metaphorically speaks to the idea of embracing all experiences and emotions that come our way. In the context of Transgender Day of Remembrance, the poem can be interpreted as a call for acceptance and understanding of the diverse and sometimes challenging experiences faced by transgender individuals.
The poem likens life to a guest house where various emotions, thoughts, and experiences are treated as visitors. In the spirit of TDOR, this could be seen as a metaphor for acknowledging and embracing the full spectrum of transgender experiences, from the struggles and hardships to moments of joy and self-discovery.

The "The Guest House" conveys a message of inclusivity and compassion, encouraging the audience to welcome all facets of the transgender experience without judgment. It underscores the importance of understanding, empathy, and creating a space where every aspect of one's identity is acknowledged and respected—a sentiment particularly relevant on a day dedicated to remembering transgender individuals who have faced discrimination and violence.

"The Guest House" by Rumi
​This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Picture
​Song “Like a Tattoo” by Sade performed by Gillian Buono accompanied by Bob Egan on the Piano
He told me sweet lies of sweet love
Heavy with the burden of the truth
And he spoke of his dreams
Broken by the burden
Broken by the burden of his youth
"Fourteen years," he said
"I couldn't look into the sun
She saw him laying at the end of my gun"
Hungry for life
And thirsty for the distant river
I remember his hands
And the way the mountains looked
The light shot diamonds from his eyes
Hungry for life
And thirsty for the distant river
Like the scar of age
Written all over my face
The war is still raging inside of me
I still feel the chill
As I reveal my shame to you
I wear it like a tattoo
I wear it like a tattoo
I wear it like a tatto
Picture
"What Does TDOR Mean To Me?"
Members of the Community

​(1 minute per member)
Picture
Mindfulness Meditation

​Welcome, everyone, to this moment of collective reflection. Find a comfortable position, gently close your eyes or gaze softly at the floor in front of you, and let's begin our journey into mindfulness.
​Take a deep breath in, filling your lungs with air, and exhale slowly, releasing any tension. Feel the weight of your body grounding you to this present moment.
As you continue to breathe naturally, bring your awareness to the sensations in your body. Notice the rise and fall of your belly or chest with each breath. Feel the subtle movements and the rhythm of your breath as it flows effortlessly.
Now, shift your focus to the sensations in your surroundings. Notice any sounds around you—the gentle hum of life, the shifting of bodies in chairs, or the distant sounds of the outside world. Allow these sounds to be part of your experience without judgment.
As you maintain your awareness, imagine your thoughts as passing clouds in the vast sky of your mind. Acknowledge them, greet each thought and say “hello thought” before gently guiding your attention back to your breath. Your breath is your anchor of this moment.
Now, expand your awareness to encompass your entire body. Feel the energy within, the aliveness in every cell. Sense the connection between your body and the Earth beneath you.
In this space of stillness, let compassion fill your heart. Visualize a warm, golden light surrounding you, radiating love and understanding. Let this light expand with each breath, reaching out to embrace everyone in this shared experience.
[Pause for 30 seconds]
As we prepare to honor the names of those who have lost their lives to violence and hatred, hold in your heart a sense of empathy and unity. Recognize the fragility of life and the importance of compassion in our world.
Take a few moments and in these few moments of silence, reflect on the interconnectedness of humanity. Let the stillness be a sanctuary for both sorrow and hope, as we remember and honor those who are no longer with us.
[Pause for 30 seconds]
Now, gently bring your awareness back to the present moment. As you open your eyes, carry this sense of mindfulness with you. May it guide you in fostering understanding, compassion, and a commitment to creating a world of peace.
Thank you for sharing this mindful moment together.
Picture
 Say Their Name
Members of the Community
 
Reading the 394 Names
of the Lives that were lost worldwide
due to violence and by suicide.
See Name List Below

Accompanied by Bob Egan on the Piano
Picture
Song “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper performed by Gillian Buono accompanied by Bob Egan on the Piano
You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Oh I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small
But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
Show me a smile then
Don't be unhappy, can't remember
When I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there
And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let it show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there
And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let it show
Your true colors
True colors
True colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
Picture
Reading of her book "Remain Silent" by Robyn Gigl
Picture
Song “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty performed by Rick Barry
Well, I won't back down
No I won't back down
You could stand me up at the gates of Hell
But I won't back down
No I'll stand my ground
Won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey baby
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
Well, I know what's right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey baby
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down)
And I won't back down
Hey baby
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I won't back down
Hey baby
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down)
And I won't back down (I won't back down)
No I won't back down
Picture
Closing Words by Dr. Geena Buono
Picture

Special thanks

Brittney and Frank Solis, Blackbird Commons
Damian White, Dazz Media
Jason Dermer, Asbury Audio
John Krajewski, Asbury Audio
​Lauren Albrecht, Director, Advocacy and Organizing at Garden State Equality
Luanne Peterpaul, Assemblywoman-Elect
Dr. Margie Donlon, Assemblywoman-Elect
Senator Vin Gopal
Amy Quinn, Asbury Park Deputy Mayor
Alison Myers, NJ Director of Civil Service Department
​Michael Hand, Asbury Park Police Department
Gillian Buono
Rick Barry
Bob Egan

Garden State Equality​
The City of Asbury Park
Asbury Park Press
​NJ 12 TV
​
Refreshments Compliments of Shannon & Rick Barry, and Joe Cole, Georgie's Bar, Asbury Park, NJ
Kevin Kern, Asbury Park Leather 
​TJ's Pizza of Asbury Park
​
and all
Volunteers & Special Guests

TDOR Committee Members
Dr. Geena Buono
Heike Zelnhefer, LCSW

Gratefully,
Transgender Alliance of New Jersey

In Loving Memory of Joe Harvard and Babs Siperstein
Picture

Name List 

The collection and tracking of the victim names is taken from
​https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports
​Andrea Lopez
Ariana Diaz Chávez
Brenda
Emmily Rodrigues
Liliana Veroni ("La Chaqueña")
Mariela Jorgelina Romero
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Patricia Ramírez
Sofía Agustina Bravo
Sofia Inés Fernández
Adriana
Noah O'Brien
Onyx John
Aysel
Hulya Sadighova
Babul Mridha
Dustu
Joyeey Akter Nagini
Name Unknown
Nazma Akhtar
Liza Kistauri
Luciana Desiré Vaca
Abby Silva Moreira
Adriana Santos
Agatha Santos
Alana da Silva
Alexia Silva de Santana
Amanda Rodrigues Ribeiro
Ana Paula dos Santos
Anna Luisa Pantaleão
Aylla Sofia
Bárbara Rafaela
Bianca Carvalho Gonçalves
Bianca Ferreira da Rocha ("Bia")
Bruna Brasil
Bruninha da Silva
Caio Linhares
Caju
Carla Pereira
Carolina Pereira ("Carol")
Chiquita
Cláudia da Costa
Daniele Soares ("Dani")
Daniella Santos ("Danny")
Daniely Medeiros Gonçalves
Eduarda Emanuelly
Eloise Andrade
Emily Isabeli Colstt
Endriely Prestes Aguiar
Ester da Silva
Evelyn Sampaio de Moraes
Fran Jungers Neto
Gabriel Godoy
Grazyele Junqueiro
Greyci Kelly
Iasmim Santos Silva
Jady
Jaqueline Fyoruti
Jerry Rodrigues
Jessica Silva ("Jessy")
Joana Smith/Joanna Smitt
Joyce Kelly
Julia Nicolly Moreira da Silva
Kamilla Nogueira/Camila de Souza
Karla Santos
Kauana Vasconcelos
Kauanne
Kauany Bacelar
Ketlhyn da Silva Nascimento
Laila
Lelê
Lorena Fox
Luara de Souza Machado
Lucas Peres
Lully Pimentel
Maria Fernanda Hilton
Michele Souza
Michelle
Michelly/Michely Moreira
Mimi Pereira da Silva Filho
Mirela
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Natasha
Natasha
Negão
Nety Cosme
R. L. da Silva Júnior
Rafaela Moraes Izaias
Raíssa
Ramona Torres da Silva
Rayane Cássia Bittencourt Nogueira
Rayca Pereira de Jesus
Raynanda Mineiro
Rebeka Vendaval
Renna Rodrigues/Rena de Moura
Rihanna Rodrigues dos Santos
Sabrina Medeiros
Samantha
Samantha Campana
Samara Cibele Ferreira Gomes
Sarita Pinheiro de Oliveira
Sebastiana Pereira de Souza ("Tiana")
Shakira
Sofia Gonçalves de Oliveira
Stephany Villar
Stheffany Ashley da Silva Neves ("Eyshila")
T. L. de Sousa
Tailla Ariany Santos
Thallita Costa
Thalyta Gabriely Alves Sousa
Thyalla dos Santos
Tiago da Silva
Vera Lúcia Lopes Siqueira ("Julia Cristina")
Victor
Victória Jakson
Vitória Damas
W. de Oliveira Rodrigues
W. P. da Silva Souza
Aurora Claire Stark
Bekett Noble
Emily Grace Rawbon
Hailey Mackenzie Lawson ("Bee")
Jayden Miller
Lucy Dawson Stier
Maiken/Dani Cooper
Claudia Díaz Pérez
Éber Albarrán ("Ever")
Keyti Sayuri Rodríguez Vásquez
Ángela María Bernal Ospina
Camila La Crespa
Dania Sharith Polo Solórzano
Francheska Rivas
Franklin Pabón Camacho
Gabriela
J. C. Gómez
Katia
L. F. Rodríguez Mier
La Gata
La Pájara
Luciana Sandoval
Luisa Fernanda Negrete
Luisa Fernanda Parra
Luna Ramírez Soto
María José Torres Astros
Mayté Mejía
Shaina Vanessa Pretel Gómez
Susan Fernández
Tati Guzmán
Yormary
Flavia Herrera Rodríguez
Samira Lescar
Brauny Alcántara
Aithana Camila Azul Vargas Caicedo
Bella
Brigitte
Campanilla
Cecibel ("Ceci")
Chepina Arteaga Morante
Giyo Castillo
Guendi/Wendy
Jordana Borbor Cruz ("Itaty")
Jordana Cortez
Joselyn Lino
Jossi Córdova Macas
Keyly Daniela Macías Cortés
Lilia/Lila
Luna Bravo
Mateo Briones Alvarado
Paris Marchant Dioses
Patty
Sheyla Cabezas Reyes
Valentína Moran ("Tina")
Maël Eden Paufert
Anna Ivankova
Cleo Quinteros Hernández
Maryori Sousa
Samantha Fuentes
Teffy Balizari
Valentina de Paz
Karina Guevara
Melissa Núñez
Soraya Álvarez
Bebo
Dolly
Khushi
Lichi
Minal
Neelu
Pinki
Praneetha
Praveen Nath
Priya
Raja Patra
Rath Kisan
Rehana
Saba
Sana
Sofia
Alya
Mala
Tante Butet
Noor Alsaffar ("Noor BM")
Bruna Cancio dos Santos
Chiara Colombini
Lucy Salani
Marta Castaña Torres
Name Unknown
Naomi Cabral
Veronica Manganese
Ryuchell
Alondra Chacon Avila
Britney Hernández Vargas
China
Consejito
Dani Millán
Denisse Cabaly
Fede
Ivanna Divina Jhons
Jenny
Jenny
Jessica Zoe ("Yulia")
Jordana
Joseline
July
Karen Sánchez Alvarez
Karina Gómez
Karla Santos
Kenia Salazar
Kimberly Fernanda Mendoza Sevilha
Lina Franco
Liz Hernández
Marimar Kim
Martha Torres Lomelí
Michelle Jesús P. C. ("Jaki")
Mónica Jiménez Belmont
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Natalia González Santiago
Natasha
Nicole
Olvin Osório Doroteo
Pamela
Paris Alexsandry
Paris Beristain Vergara Valério
Renata Nicole Duarte Reyes
Rosy
Shakira
Sheyla
Shiirya/Shyriia
Violeta Navarrete
Ximena Madrid Flores
Yanina Martínez
Khina Zakharova
Ariel Mendoza
Juana Mena Hernández
Katherine Massiel Rivera ("Julia")
Aaiyza
Kamrany
Laiq
Mahnoor
Mishi
Name Unknown
Z. A.
Franchesca Gomez
Ale Castillo Limache
Camila Sánchez
Cataleya
Erika Quintana Ávalos
Juiliana Chávez Flores
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Priscila Aguado Hutaco
Ruby Ferrer
Stephany Jama Cotto
Tania Viviana Sandoval Ramírez
Elaine Englis
J. Amihan
J. Pamudulan
J. Royos
Juriana Sison Orario
K. B. Misador
M. Rosa Mamauag
Samantha Nicole Quirino
Sofia Pereira Santos
Eden Knight
Noa Milivojev
Juraj Vankulic
Iván Guadalupe Lima Fortete
Name Unknown
Name Unknown
Sandra
Kalle
Molly
Armin
Derin S.
Ecem Seçkin
Name Unknown
Alex Bendall
Brianna Ghey
Ezra Jackson
Finn Hall
Matty Sheldrick
Name Unknown
Victoria Pereira
Adalyn Anderson
Alexa Andreevna Sokova
Ashia Davis
Ashley Burton
Banko Paso/Banko Brown
Brayden Snyder
Bre'Asia Bankz
Caelee Love-Light
Caitlyn Éowyn Earhart ("Cait")
Cam Chamberlain
Camdyn Rider
Cashay Henderson
Catherine Wheeler
Chanell Perez Ortiz ("Uvita")
Charm Wilson
Colin Smith
Dacoda Lawrence ("Codii")
Daniel Davis Aston
Day Rodas
Destiny Howard
DéVonnie J’Rae Johnson
Diamond Jackson-McDonald
Dolli Goins
Elena Esther Adem
Emma Borhanian
Erin Ezra Young
Fernielle Mary Mora
Gwen Gatewood
Henry Berg-Brousseau
Imanitwitaho Zachee
Ivory Nicole Smith
Jacob Williamson
Jasmine "Star" Mack
Kayleigh Scott
KC Johnson
Kelly Loving
LaKendra Andrews
Levi Martin
Lovely Page
Luis Ángel Díaz Castro
Manuel Teran ("Tortugita")
Mar’Quis ‘MJ’ Jackson
Maria Jose Rivera Rivera
Mia Alaina-Lorene Knight
Michelle Dionne Peacock
Moe Moore
Morgan Dee
Mykal Rae
Myles Fitzpatrick
Nova Dunne
Olivia Snow
Ome Gandhi
Rasheeda Williams ("Koko Da Doll")
Sherlyn Marjorie
Stephanie Petty
Tasiyah Woodland ("Siyah")
Theadora Cassidy ("Thea")
Thomas Robertson ("Tom-Tom")
Tiffany Banks
Tree Crane
Unique Banks
YOKO
La Divina/La Johan
O. E. B. Pineda
Name Unknown

[email protected]