Every year since 1999, the queer community has come together to honor the memory of those murdered in acts of anti-transgender violence on Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is always held on November 20. The preceding week, Trans Awareness Week, provides an opportunity for cisgender allies to educate themselves on trans issues, including the discrimination and violence faced by this community.
ISU’s Queer Coalition will be facilitating two listening circles during Trans Awareness Week this year in order to foster community building with trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming students, faculty, and staff on campus, as well as provide an opportunity for participants to share their experiences in a small group setting. Circles will be provided with discussion questions to help guide their conversations.
Listening circles will be held via Zoom at 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 17, and at 10 a.m. Friday, November 19. Those wishing to attend are asked to fill out the registration form beforehand. Please direct any questions to lgbtq@ilstu.edu.
The registered student organization Pride, partnering with the Queer Coalition, will host a vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance from 7:30 p.m.-9 pm. Wednesday, November 17 in Prairie Room 2 of the Bone Student Center to honor the memory of people who have lost their lives to acts of anti-transgender violence.
