Trans vigil to end week of trans awareness for the LGBT Center.
There are 81 names on this year’s International Trans Day of Remembrance memorial list.
This list is a compilation of names of those who died because of anti-transgender violence and will be displayed at the vigil on Wednesday.
The list does not include death due to suicide or domestic violence. The vigil concludes the LGBT Center’s efforts during Trans Empowerment Week, during which it hosted events such as discussions and films.
“Ending the week with a naming of the individuals who have either been killed or have been violated in some way as a way of inspiring, motivating, sparking the need to continue the week and that it doesn’t end that Wednesday,” said Delfin Bautista, director of the LGBT Center.
The vigil will consist of speakers, a performance by New Chords on the Block and a reading of the names on the list — three of whom are from Ohio.
“These are real people with real names, with birthdays who lived in an actual place and I think it just brings it home and makes it not seem like such an abstract concept,” Bautista said.
Previously, the vigil was held outside at night, but the cold weather has moved the vigil to the fifth floor of Baker University Center and electric candles will be used, Bautista said.
Sarah Jenkins, program coordinator for the LGBT and Women’s centers, said this is an opportunity to not only reflect on the lives lost, but hopefully encourage and empower change.
Jesper Beckholt, a fifth-year studying English, is a student worker in the LGBT Center and has been working on organizing the vigil. ALLY has also been a part in putting on this event.
Beckholt said while it’s a significant event, it does not encompass the entire experience of being trans.
“I hope people don’t just know about Transgender Day of Remembrance and think that being trans is just a situation where you’re doomed,” Beckholt said. “For me, being a part of the community, (the event is) important because we do lose a lot of people, especially trans women, especially trans women of color and having a space to mourn that and talk about that is a meaningful thing to me.”
Bautista said it’s important to have these difficult conversations about issues like anti-trans hate crimes, and wants people to walk away with the passion to have these conversations.
“There are very concrete things people can do,” Bautista said. “It’s becoming more aware of trans people and making sure that we are respecting people’s pronouns and names and advocating for gender-inclusive spaces on campus as well as advocating for inclusive, non-discrimination policies within the state of Ohio and within the country as a whole.”
The vigil is open to anyone and a gathering in the LGBT Center will follow to help with the process and debrief after the event and continue the conversation. Refreshments will be provided.
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