The LGBTQA Resource Center at Western Illinois University will host a Trans Day of Remembrance vigil from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Multicultural Center on the Macomb campus.
“The vigil is a solemn event that recognizes and remembers Trans folks who were senselessly murdered in 2022, while also serving as a charge for everyone to stand steadfast and strong against any form of violence towards Trans* people, and, with this united front, we can surely make a change,” said Michael Tuoyo, LGBT*QA Resource Center graduate assistant.
LGBTQA Resource Center Graduate Assistant Amie Seely added that it’s important to remember the lives lost to violence and those who have taken their own lives as a response to the hostility of society against the Trans community.
“It is even more important now for Trans Awareness to be on the forefront of our minds, along with the other ills of society, due to the severe backlash we have been seeing in states such as Florida, Texas, Virginia and other states,” said Seely. “Please come and show your support. Illinois may be a state that has LGBTQA-friendly laws, but we must always be aware that our community in general is in danger. Let us lift up the voices of our Trans siblings. May their names never be forgotten.”
During the event, the names of trans people killed this year will be read, and a candle will be lit in memory of each one.
In 2021, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) tracked a record number of violent, fatal incidents against transgender and gender non-conforming people — with 50 fatalities tracked. This year has already seen at least 32 transgender people fatally shot, or killed by other violent means.
The HRC maintains that the numbers are just those that have been reported, and that there may be many more.
The Trans Day of Remembrance is open to the public.
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