Syracuse University to observe annual Transgender Day of Remembrance

Syracuse University to observe annualTransgender Day of RemembranceNovember 19, 2004Adrea Jaehniglgbt@syr.edu

In recognition of those around the country who have died due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice, the Syracuse University Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center invites all SU, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and local community members to participate in activities scheduled for the Transgender Day of Remembrance, Monday, Nov. 22.

There will be table in the atrium of the Schine Student Center from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., with information about the Day of Remembrance, statistics and information about anti-transgender violence, educational materials about transgender people, as well as a list of resources available through the LGBT Resource Center Library. At 4 p.m., there will be a Service of Remembrance in the small chapel in Hendricks Chapel.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is set aside to memorialize those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held each November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on Nov. 28, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” Web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. First, it raises public awareness of hate crimes and deaths due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice, largely ignored by media and society. In addition, the Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of transgender people who might otherwise be forgotten. Finally, the Day of Remembrance gives allies a chance to step forward and stand in vigil, memorializing those who have died due to anti-transgender violence.

For more information, contact the LGBT Resource Center at 443-3983.