Vigils held across New York City to mark National Transgender Day of Remembrance

MANHATTAN (PIX11) -- Vigils were held across the tri-state area Wednesday night to mark National Transgender Day of Remembrance. Since 1999, it has been held on November 20th.

Dozens of people gathered at New York's City Hall for a ceremony in the Council Chambers.

Gia Love, a transgender activist was honored for her advocacy. "When you're trans, you have to advocate, all the time, so like self-advocacy is all I have and I will continue to do that unapologetically," said Love.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Center on West 13th Street in Chelsea also held an event Wednesday night. The names of 29 transgender people were read aloud. All have died in the last year nationwide from transphobic violence.

"This is really a significant day for folks to grieve and be empowered," said Camila Rueda, who works at the Center. "Trans people, by a significant amount, face a lot more violence, are ostracized; they are one of the populations that are most marginalized by society."

Mayor Eric Adams posted on X, "I want to send a strong message that we will always stand up for our transgender community in New York City. You are safe here."