Thirteen congregations from across Newton gathered together at the First Unitarian Universalist for an interfaith service on Thursday, marking the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

The event brought together clergy, choir members, students, and residents for a night of mourning, solidarity and reflection. While this is only the second interfaith gathering of its kind in Newton, the day itself is not new. Transgender Day of Remembrance started in 1999 and is observed nationally to memorialize those who died from violence due to transphobia. 

The event included speakers, prayers, music, and a reading of the names of those who have lost their lives in recent years. Candles were lit, and the choir’s voices filled the sanctuary while attendees mourned the victims. 

Rev. Mark J.T. Caggiano of the First Church in Chestnut Hill emphasized the long-standing purpose and importance of the day. 

“The idea of the Transgender Day of Remembrance is not new,” Caggiano said. “It’s basically to mourn people who either died through violence or self-violence because of their identity. Sadly, that’s becoming an ever more common experience” 

Caggiano explained that while he wasn’t the primary organizer of this service, he has seen similar events multiply across Greater Boston as local faith communities respond to increased hostility toward trans people. 

“People are not being cared for in the ways that they used to be,” Caggiono said. “They’re actively being targeted in ways that have never really been the case prior to the past year.” 

Congregant Joyce Pollock emphasized that support for trans rights is not new within their community. 

“We have a long tradition,” Pollock said. “This isn’t new for us.” 

Barbara Bates, another member of the congregation and event volunteer, elaborated further on the church’s history of progressive values. 

“It looks like a traditional church,” Bates said, referring to the church’s classic architecture. “But we are a multifaith organization. You don’t have to sign a belief statement—we ask you only to work on your own beliefs.” 

Bates described the congregation’s recently updated shared values, organized under the acronym JETPIG: justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, and gratitude.

For longtime members of the host congregation, the multifaith nature of this gathering marked a meaningful change. Gayle Smalley, a volunteer usher and longtime member of the First Unitarian Universalist Society, noted that previous years’ services were held individually, but it means a lot more when held together.

“Coming together is always more powerful,” Smalley said. “I hope we have good attendance. It’s cold and dark, but it’s good to come.”