The city and vielbunt invite you to the Trans* Day of Remembrance on November 20th
On Friday, November 20, 2026, the City of Darmstadt, together with the association vielbunt eV, will commemorate people who have been victims of transphobic violence. The occasion is the international "Trans* Day of Remembrance," which is observed annually on November 20. The public memorial service will begin at 5 p.m. at the memorial "The Shadow Side of the Rainbow" between the Moller Building and the Welcome Hotel in Darmstadt.
The focus is on commemorating those who were victims of transphobic violence last year. At the same time, the organizers want to send a message against discrimination, exclusion, and violence, and in favor of respectful coexistence in society.
A symbol of diversity and against discrimination
Mayor Hanno Benz emphasizes the importance of the event for Darmstadt's urban society.
“With this, we are sending a message against the discrimination of transgender people and in favor of living together in a diverse and open urban society,” Benz explains.
The commemoration is particularly important in light of current social developments. The mayor points out that democratic values are being attacked by radical forces and that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer people (LGBT*IQ) continue to face prejudice, rejection, exclusion, and violence.
Light illumination at the memorial
The memorial event will be accompanied by a light display. The memorial "The Dark Side of the Rainbow" will be illuminated in the colors of the queer community.
Afterwards, there is an opportunity to visit the "Colorful Friday" event at the Darmstadt Christmas Market together. This event is intended to provide a chance to come together, exchange ideas, and conclude the day of remembrance together.
International Day of Remembrance since 1998
The Trans* Day of Remembrance has been observed worldwide on November 20th since 1998. It commemorates people who have experienced hostility towards transgender, transsexual, and trans-identified individuals.
In Darmstadt, too, the day of remembrance is intended to help make the consequences of hatred and discrimination visible and to draw attention to the protection and social acceptance of trans people.
With this joint event, the science city of Darmstadt and vielbunt eV are sending a public message of solidarity and remembrance.
The most important information
Event: Trans* Day of Remembrance 2026
Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Start time: 5 p.m.
Location: Memorial “The Dark Side of the Rainbow”, between Moller Building and Welcome Hotel, Darmstadt
Organizers: City of Science Darmstadt and vielbunt eV
Occasion: Commemoration of the victims of transphobic violence
Special feature: Light illumination in the colors of the queer community
Afterwards: Opportunity to visit the "Colorful Friday" event at the Darmstadt Christmas Market together
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
