By Mika Klubis
On Thursday, November 20, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) and Inclusion and Belonging co-hosted the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil (TDOR) at Glatfelter Lodge. The event is held annually in respect to transgender people who have lost their lives due to violence and hate. The event began at 4:30 p.m.
Photos of deceased tans people during the event (Photo: Mika Klubis/The Gettysburgian)
The lodge was decorated with blue, pink and white flowers for the event. Participants were encouraged to receive refreshments as well as transgender flags, ribbons and stickers with names of trans people who have passed.
TDOR was first celebrated in 1999 after the passing of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who died under violent circumstances in 1998. The names and photos of people lost this year lined each wall of the lodge, with QR Codes offering additional information about each person. There were also photos and information in spiral notebooks to get a better sense of those celebrated.
College Chaplain Michael Bright spoke to the gathered room, reciting a poem called “Blessing the Boats” by Lucille Clifton. Bright preached, “the transition into this life and out of this life is difficult. But they did it in the body they chose and we honor them for it.”
Peace Pole decorated with rememberance ribbons (Photo: Mika Klubis/The Gettysburgian)
They continued with a focus on the importance of Transgender and LGBTQ+ rights. “The fight that we fight is not just for us. We will not go away quietly and easily. The people we love who have passed will always be remembered.”
The importance of the history of TDOR was reiterated through the reading of statistics listing the number of murders of transgender people in the United States since 2015.
Two junior GSRC members then took over. In speaking of those who had passed they stated, “I think of the impact they must have made on the world. Even though there is so much hate in the world, there is also so much love.” This was followed by a moment of silence for those who had passed.
Following the speeches, participants were invited to create ribbons with the stickers that had the names of those who had passed. These were brought outside and tied around the Peace Pole on campus. Supplies were left near the pole for anyone walking by to contribute. Ribbons remained on the pole until the evening of the following day in honor and awareness.
