Rainbow communities across Aotearoa will come together this Friday for Transgender Day of Remembrance, with gatherings in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch honouring transgender and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to violence and discrimination.
From a moving tribute to legendary trans icon Carmen Rupe in Wellington to community vigils and remembrance gatherings in Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealanders are being invited to pause, reflect and remember.
Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed internationally on 20 November, honours transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence and prejudice.
The annual observance also provides an opportunity to reflect on the discrimination and safety concerns faced by transgender communities, while recognising the importance of solidarity, dignity and support.
This year, community organisations across Aotearoa have organised several opportunities for people to gather, remember loved ones and honour those who are no longer with us.
Wellington: Remembering Trans Icon Carmen Rupe
In Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, a particularly meaningful tribute will take place at Te Waka Huia Wellington Museum.
Visitors will be invited to place origami roses on Carmen Rupe’s iconic peacock chair as part of the museum’s Arohanui, Carmen xx exhibition.
The gesture honours transgender and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to anti-trans violence, while celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable transgender trailblazers.
Carmen Tione Rupe, widely known as the Queen of Wellington, was a pioneering entertainer, businesswoman and LGBTQ+ activist who helped shape the city’s rainbow history.
Born in Taumarunui in 1936, Carmen arrived in Wellington in 1967 and became a prominent figure in the city’s nightlife and queer communities.
Throughout her life, she championed LGBTQ+ equality, sex workers’ rights and social change, even standing for Wellington’s mayoralty in 1977.
The museum’s exhibition celebrates her extraordinary life through photographs, clothing, personal memorabilia and previously unseen archival material.
For Transgender Day of Remembrance, the placement of roses will reflect the exhibition’s theme of Aroha ki Tangata — love for the people.
Visitors can also spend time in the museum’s WHESA room, where tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for those wishing to sit quietly and reflect.
Wellington Event Details
- Date: Friday 20 November 2026
- Time: 10am–3pm
- Location: Te Waka Huia Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay, Wellington
- Admission: Exhibition admission fees apply
For more information, visit Wellington Museum’s Transgender Day of Remembrance event.
Auckland: GendAffirm Hosts Community Vigil
In Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, GendAffirm is organising a community vigil to remember transgender whānau and friends who have died.
The gathering will provide a space for remembrance, connection and collective support, with transgender people, friends, whānau and allies welcome.
Organisers say the evening is an opportunity to honour those who are no longer physically present, carry their stories forward and speak their names.
Those wishing to remember someone during the vigil are encouraged to contact GendAffirm ahead of time.
For the safety and privacy of attendees, the exact location is being shared directly with people on the invitation list rather than published publicly.
Anyone interested in attending should email the organisers to request an invitation and further information.
Auckland Event Details
- Date: Friday 20 November 2026
- Time: 6.30pm
- Location: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland — details provided to invited attendees
- Admission: Free
- Contact: kiaora@gendaffirm.org.nz
For information about GendAffirm and its work supporting transgender communities, visit gendaffirm.org.nz.
Christchurch: A Picnic To Remember Trans Whānau
In Ōtautahi Christchurch, rainbow communities are invited to gather for a relaxed Transgender Day of Remembrance Picnic at South New Brighton Domain.
The free gathering provides an opportunity to spend time with others, remember those who came before us and reflect on the importance of community connection.
Organisers Marie and Zane are inviting people to bring picnic blankets and join them at the domain, weather permitting.
The informal nature of the gathering offers a different way to observe the day, creating space for remembrance alongside friendship and collective care.
Attendees are encouraged to check for updates before travelling, as the event depends on suitable weather.
Christchurch Event Details
- Date: Friday 20 November 2026
- Time: 5.30pm–7pm
- Location: South New Brighton Domain, Christchurch
- Admission: Free
- What to bring: A picnic blanket
- Weather: Event dependent on suitable conditions
- Contact: marie@qtopia.org.nz
Visit Qtopia’s events page for community event information.
Communities Have Already Begun Remembering
The Friday gatherings follow several early observances held during Trans Awareness Week.
On Sunday 15 November, Auckland Unitarian Church held a remembrance service led by Maria Hayward, reflecting on transphobia, discrimination and the importance of supporting transgender communities.
In Christchurch, Moana Vā joined Knox Presbyterian Church for a special Pride service acknowledging transgender and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost.
These gatherings form part of a wider programme of events throughout Aotearoa during Trans Awareness Week, 13–19 November, leading into Transgender Day of Remembrance on Friday.
Why Transgender Day Of Remembrance Matters
Transgender Day of Remembrance is recognised internationally as a time to honour those who have been killed as a result of anti-transgender hatred and violence.
It is also a reminder that the consequences of discrimination can extend beyond individual acts of violence, affecting people’s safety, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
For transgender, non-binary and takatāpui communities, remembrance can carry deeply personal significance.
It offers opportunities to acknowledge people who have been lost, share memories and support those who continue to experience grief.
The day also creates space for allies, friends and whānau to stand alongside transgender communities.
While Trans Awareness Week celebrates visibility, connection and the contributions of trans people, Transgender Day of Remembrance asks communities to reflect on the lives lost and the work still needed to ensure everyone can live safely.
Remembering Together Across Aotearoa
Whether through a rose placed on Carmen Rupe’s chair, a name spoken at a vigil or a quiet moment shared with others at a picnic, this Friday’s gatherings offer different ways to honour transgender lives.
For those who have lost someone, the day can provide an opportunity to remember them alongside people who understand the significance of their loss.
For others, it can be a moment to listen, learn and show support.
As rainbow communities across Aotearoa come together on 20 November, the message is one of remembrance, aroha and solidarity: the lives of transgender and gender-diverse people matter, and those we have lost deserve to be remembered. 🏳️⚧️💜
For a wider guide to Trans Awareness Week events throughout New Zealand, visit Gender Minorities Aotearoa.
