The seventh annual Transgender Day of Remembrance hosted by Osborne on Tuesday, November 12, was a powerful and moving observance that brought together the community to honor the lives and memories of transgender people lost to violence and hatred and foster a space for healing, celebration, and unity.

Organized and hosted by Osborne’s LGBTQIA+ Case Management Program, which provides personalized support for justice-involved LGBTQIA+ and TGNCNBI individuals, the event brought together community leaders, service providers, and government officials. Their presence underscored the critical need to ensure safety, equality, and continued advocacy for all members of the LGBTQIA+ and TGNCNBI communities.

The keynote address by Tahtianna Fermin, CEO and Founder of Bridges4Life, resonated deeply with attendees as she spoke about the community’s ongoing challenges and their resilience. Her words highlighted the urgent need for greater advocacy and support for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Performances by Egyptt Labeija and HarlemKing Kareem Holloman energized the space.

Following the TDOR observance, Osborne hosted its first Resilience Ball, a vibrant celebration of the strength and joy of the community. Hosted by MC Snookie Lanore, the ball was filled with energy and empowerment, featuring a lively performance by DJ KingGully IzdahGawd that roused attendees and inspired them to participate in walking the runway. The Resilience Ball provided a much-needed space to celebrate the beauty and perseverance of the community, offering a joyful contrast to the heavy emotions of the memorial earlier in the day.