The LGBTQ Resource Center proudly announces its annual celebration of Trans Week of Liberation (TWoL). Alongside International Day of Visibility on Sunday, March 31. The week celebrates and recognizes the resilience, contributions and diversity of transgender people globally.
Originating in 2010 from the efforts of Rachel Candall, a leader of Transgender Michigan, Trans Day of Visibility was created in response to the overwhelming media coverage regarding transgender people being focused on violence. Candall sought to shift the narrative by empowering transgender people to feel celebrated and live authentically while also highlighting the discrimination faced by the community and keeping in mind not every transgender person wants to be visible.
“The LGBTQ Resource Center shifts the focus from remembrance to liberation as visibility is not enough and embracing trans joy and expression is important to our survival. We hope to encourage and challenge our Syracuse University and global communities to explore how transgender people have contributed to our shared experiences and history, as well as continue to enhance our world and community with our contributions,” shares Meegs Longacre, coordinator of the LGBTQ Resource Center. “To celebrate our transgender family, we are excited to have a week of events dedicated to transgender liberation, transcending boundaries and reaching for the stars! We hope to build spaces for transgender students, staff, faculty, for people who are questioning their gender and want to explore that part of themselves, and for others to learn more about our community and how to support us.”
Tommy DaSilva ’26 emphasizes the importance of celebrating trans joy and expression, “Expectation based on gender identity and gender norms is suffocating, and Trans Week of Liberation allows us to celebrate the trans people doing the work to deconstruct these systems and others that bind us. We must uplift trans joy and expression now more than ever as we live in a time where people are out and proud with all forms of hate,” he says.
Throughout the week, a series of events aimed at fostering celebration, understanding, inclusivity and support for transgender individuals will include the following:
“Trans Week of Liberation holds a special place in my heart as a fem-presenting non-binary individual,” says Tatiyyanah Nelums ’25. ” It’s a time when people come together to recognize and celebrate the complexities of gender identities. This week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and understanding. It’s about creating a community where everyone feels seen, heard and respected for who they are. Trans Week of Liberation is a beacon of hope, signaling progress toward a world where gender diversity is embraced and celebrated. It’s a collective effort to foster empathy, dismantle stereotypes and build a more inclusive future for all.”
All campus community members are welcome to participate in TWoL and support by attending events and learning more. Educational opportunities include learning more about what transgender is and what cisgender is, respecting people’s preferred names and pronouns, attending a Safe Zone, Trans 101 and/or Pronoun Competency training.
For more information about Trans Week of Liberation, please contact the LGBTQ Resource Center at lgbtq@syr.edu or call 315.443.0228.
Story by Student Experience Communications Graduate Assistant Kalaya Sibley ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
