Trans Day of Remembrance Open Mic Night 2026
Description
Join us for an evening of trans joy, creativity, connection, and reflection this Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR).
We’re hosting an open mic night for the LGBTIQA+ community to come together to remember those we have lost, honour their lives, and hold fast to our continued care, resilience and resistance. Together, we’ll make space for grief and reflection, while celebrating the joy and strength of our communities.
Whether it’s poetry, music, visual art, or something entirely your own; there’ll be plenty of opportunities to share something creative. You’re also warmly invited to come along, listen, and enjoy being part of the community.
If you’d like to share your own work or offer something in honour of someone else, we’d love to hear from you. Do let us know if there’s anything you need to feel comfortable or supported in sharing.
Alongside the open mic, we've also created a creative space to explore expression, process thoughts and feelings, or simply take a sensory break from the evening.
In this space, you're invited to reflect on the prompts, Remember, Honour, Elevate, and contribute to a collaborative community art installation, or do your own thing with the materials provided.
There’s no pressure to create, share, or participate in any way. The space and activities are designed to be flexible, so you're welcome to drop in and out throughout the evening, whenever it feels right for you.
Come as you are. Whether you want to share, listen, create, reflect, or simply be together, you’re welcome here.
Details
Wed, 18 Nov, 6pm - 8pm
Dandenong Hub Arcade / YSAS Dandenong
Dandenong VIC, Australia
Light refreshments will be provided.
Accessibility
Further details on accessibility, parking and public transportation will be shared closer to the event date via email after registration.
We want everyone to feel safe and supported throughout the evening. If you would feel more comfortable having someone accompany you to your car or public transportation, our staff will be available to walk with you. Please feel welcome to reach out at any time.
Contact
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info_justiceq@smls.com.au
Meet your hosts
Kavitha (she/her)
I am a proud trans woman of Tamil heritage living on stolen and unceded Bunurong Boon Wurrung Country. During the day, I work as the Migration and Senior Justice Q Lawyer at SMLS. In my spare time, you will find me goofing around with friends, cuddling my adorable puppy, running at the gym for no good reason, staring at the ceiling in peace, or dancing my heart away. My many queer and trans children bring me the most joy and hope. I will be facilitating and hosting the night. See you there :)
A guided art exploration by Leticia (she/they)
Kia ora, I'm Leticia (she/they) a neurodivergent artist and creative arts therapist from Aotearoa, New Zealand. I'm AuDHD and have lived experience of ‘big feelings,’ death choirs, gender fluidity, body dysphoria and being a pākeha presenting māori. I'm passionate about supporting people to access the arts as a resource for wellbeing, identity affirming spaces and community building.
Bella (she/her)
Hey there! My name is Bella (she/her) and I work with Thorne Harbour Health as an LGBTQIA+ Peer Worker out of the Dandenong Local. As a peer worker, I use my lived and living experience as transgender woman with experiences of mental health challenges in my practice of supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in our community. I am an avid gardener, I love to play basketball and I love to play music in my spare time.
Organisers
This Trans Day of Remembrance Open Mic Night is a collaborative event bringing together Foundation House, Greater Dandenong City Council, Headspace, MIND Dandenong Mental Health Local, South-East Monash Legal Service, and ThirdPlace YSAS.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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