King’s College London will host a candlelit Trans Day of Remembrance vigil on Wednesday 19 November, bringing together students, staff and members of the wider London community to honour the lives of trans and non-binary people lost to violence around the world. The event, held in the historic King’s College Chapel on the Strand, will run from 5pm to 9pm and forms the centrepiece of the university’s Trans Awareness Week programme.
The annual vigil is organised by Proudly King’s, the university’s LGBTQ+ network, alongside the KCLSU LGBTQ+ Society. It is one of London’s longest-running TDOR observances within a university setting and has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the increasing importance of remembrance at a time when anti-trans hostility continues to rise across the UK.
Attendees will be invited to take part in quiet reflection as the names of trans and non-binary people killed globally over the past year are read aloud. The ceremony traditionally includes contributions from students, senior staff members, faith representatives, poets and activists. Organisers say the focus of the evening is on dignity, compassion and solidarity — offering a peaceful space where people can grieve, reflect and stand together.
Visitors will enter the chapel to soft candlelight, where they will be invited to light a candle in memory of those lost. Many attendees choose to wear white, rainbow or trans flag colours, while others bring personal mementos or written messages. King’s staff say accessibility measures are in place, and volunteers trained in wellbeing support will be present throughout the evening for anyone who finds the vigil emotionally challenging.
For King’s, hosting the vigil is part of a wider effort to support trans students and staff across the university’s campuses. The institution has introduced several inclusion policies in recent years, including improved procedures for name and gender changes within university systems, enhanced mental health support, and better accommodation guidance for trans and non-binary students. The TDOR vigil is seen as a visible symbol of that commitment.
In previous years, the event has drawn hundreds of attendees, including allies with little prior knowledge of TDOR. Organisers say each year brings new faces — from first-year students encountering the tradition for the first time to alumni returning specifically to take part. For many, the vigil offers a rare moment of communal pause in the middle of an often hectic academic term.
The King’s College Chapel, with its Gothic architecture and quiet atmosphere, provides a backdrop that deepens the emotional weight of the evening. The candlelit space, combined with performances from musicians from across the university community, helps create an environment of calm and respect where attendees can slow down and reflect.
The vigil also emphasises the continuing impact of anti-trans violence worldwide. While the UK records far fewer fatal attacks than some regions, trans people here continue to face high levels of harassment, discrimination and abuse. Organisers say that remembering global victims is important not only to honour their lives but also to highlight the shared challenges faced by trans communities internationally.
Speakers often include trans students who share personal reflections on resilience, identity and the importance of community support. Allies — including lecturers, chaplains and staff champions — also contribute messages affirming the university’s stance against discrimination and its commitment to fostering an environment where trans people can learn, work and thrive safely.
The vigil takes place during Trans Awareness Week, a period dedicated to education, visibility and advocacy. Universities across the UK now mark the week through training sessions, talks, creative workshops and awareness campaigns. King’s has been an active participant, offering seminars on inclusive teaching, panel discussions on trans healthcare, and social events aimed at building community connections.
Attendance at the King’s College London TDOR vigil is free, and no prior booking is required. The event is open to students, staff, alumni and members of the public. Those unfamiliar with the chapel will find it located at King’s College London, Strand Campus, London WC2R 2LS.
More details can be found on the Proudly King’s website:
https://www.proudlykings.com/event-details/transgender-day-of-remembrance-vigil-2025