A few weeks ago, you (the churches and members of the Rocky Mountain Conference) were invited to share stories, reflections, photos, and liturgies for Transgender Day of Remembrance. How did communities across the RMC observe this day? Keep reading to read contributions from Rev. Mark Lee of St. Paul’s UCC in Laramie and Amanda Udis-Kessler of Vista Grande Community Church in Colorado Springs.
St Paul’s UCC once again joined with other Laramie faith communities to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th. Organized by Pridefest Laramie, the service was held at the Episcopal campus ministry, Canterbury House, and the centerpiece of the service was the solemn recitation of names of trans persons known to have been lost to violence this past year. St Paul’s new music director led the music, and several clergy from the community, including me, were involved. About 60 people attended, and it was a nice mix of easy songs, personal stories, and the lighting of candles as the names were read. Those reciting the names had a hard job. So many of the dead were so young! And so many saw self-harm deliverance as the only option. And of those killed by violence, trans women of color totally dominated. The weight in my chest was so heavy as I worried how I’d do the closing prayer and if it could do justice to the feeling in the room. I’m grateful to Pridefest for organizing such a moving event, and for those who came to lift up their hands, hearts, and voices.
Say Their Names: A Trans Day of Remembrance Hymn
Text by Amanda Udis-Kessler, October 11, 2025 (NCOD)
The tune is Stand by Me (Tindley)
In lieu of the echo, “say their names,” feel free to call out the name of a trans person who has been taken from us too soon.
Every day, we will remember. Say their names. (Say their names.)
With a love so fierce and tender, say their names. (Say their names.)
In the morning, noon, and night, in our sadness and our fright, We will honor and uphold them. Say their names. (Say their names.)
They were funny, kind, and clever. Say their names. (Say their names.)
They will live in us forever. Say their names. (Say their names.)
We’ll continue on their path for we understand the task. We will build a world of justice. Say their names. (Say their names.)
They were wonderfully created. Say their names. (Say their names.)
Let their worth not go unstated. Say their names. (Say their names.)
In their beauty, they were free as they lived who they must be. We are glad and we are grateful. Say their names. (Say their names.)
May our lives become a witness. Say their names. (Say their names.)
May our sorrow birth resistance. Say their names. (Say their names.)
We will work in hope and care till there’s freedom everywhere And each life becomes a blessing. Say their names. (Say their names.)
