By Josh Hughes
This coming week, the Queer Resource Center (QRC) will host three events for Trans Week of Remembrance on campus. These events, held on November 14, 15 and 18, are meant to provide inclusive spaces for LGBTQ individuals, with a particular focus on transgender (trans) issues and individuals. Hosts and attendees of the events will have a space and time to honor and celebrate trans folks.
Starting off on Monday at 6 p.m. in VU 462 A and B are Trans and Cis Spaces. For cisgender identifying individuals, there will be a discussion in room A on advocacy and how to support the trans community as an ally without being overwhelming or inadvertently harmful.
In room B, for those who identify as transgender, there will be arts and crafts in a space that is meant to be comforting and supportive towards one another.
QRC Coordinator Josephene Butcher said that no one will be policing people and controlling which space they choose at the event. Instead, everyone will be encouraged to find the space which is most appropriate for their identity.
“They are preferred spaces,” Butcher said. “Whatever space an individual feels most comfortable in, that individual will be welcome in that space. One must be aware however, about the other people in that space and whether or not this will be an intrusion on their space.”
On Tuesday, there will be a night to celebrate trans womxn of color (WOC) in VU 465 at 6 p.m. This event is intended to be an evening of respect and remembrance towards those in the community who have passed away. With the Womxn’s Center taking lead on this event, there will be pictures of trans WOC and candles that students can light and pay respect. In addition, there will be counseling available if students feel the need to talk to anyone. It is to be a night of celebration as well as a time to recognize the misunderstanding and oppression that has long existed against trans WOC.
Finally, on Friday at 6 p.m. in VU 462, the week of events culminates in an event called Remember The Dead, Celebrate The Living, which serves as a fitting conclusion to the week preceding it.
“Throughout Trans Week of Remembrance, we (will be) discussing differences and remembering those who have met an early end because of their identity,” says Butcher. “We cannot forget however, that there is so much to celebrate in the beauty that is gender identity.”
This event will start with a moment of silence for individuals to pay respect to those who have lost their lives and for every trans person experiencing struggle and trauma everyday. It will conclude with nothing less than music and pizza, inviting us all to remember and appreciate the beauty of identity and the love and power of community.
