Electronic candles were lit in Baker to remember deaths in the trans community.
Where hours before students sat drinking coffee or cramming for their next midterm, an area in the back of the fifth floor of Baker University Center filled with students Wednesday evening looking to remember fallen members of the trans community.
About 30 people gathered for a candlelight vigil as part of the national Transgender Day of Remembrance. Unlike last year, the candles were electric due to the event being held inside. This is the fourth year that the event has taken place, and was organized as part of Trans Empowerment Week.
“I have (known) a lot of people (that have been) sexually assaulted, attempt(ed) to commit suicide (or been) in intimate partner violence situations,” said Jesper Beckholt, a fifth-year senior studying English who has been involved with the event for the past three years. “I don’t want a picture of trans-ness that’s so tragic, but it’s important to talk about the stuff thats not easy.”
Each candle was switched on for remembrance of members of the trans community who died as a result of anti-transgender violence.
“Tonight, those who have been silenced by violence are present,” said Delfin Bautista, director of Ohio University’s LGBT Center.
The group was solemn, but decidedly resolute. Bautista opened the service with a speech that declared the purpose of the vigil and the fact that although many had died due to this kind of violence the community would continue to fight.
“We must hold on to and embrace and wrestle with resilience so the lives that are lost are not lost in vain,” Bautista said in the speech. “Our resilience reflects that we are victims, but we are survivors.”
The vigil continued with two songs from acappella group New Chords on the Block and then members of the group shared personal stories, poems and feelings. Some stories were tragic, while others spoke of determination to live their life how they choose.
After everyone shared, the candlelight ceremony began. Everyone gathered around a wax candle which was placed beside a small basket. Each member was given two notecards and an electronic candle. One by one, each attendee made their way to the front, where they read off names on their notecards followed by the date that person died. In total, 81 names were read at the vigil.
Rachel Randall, an undecided freshman, attended the event. She said the vigil was important because it allows people to connect over shared experience.
“You really want to be there for people who’ve gone through the same things you have and have had to deal with hate,” she said.
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