by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — A Transgender Day of Remembrance observance will take place at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Becker Pavilion along Campus Lake from 4 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 30.
Everyone is welcome to attend the candlelight vigil featuring guest speakers and refreshments.
Connecting, honoring and giving
Organizers say the goal of the event is to connect the SIU LGBTQ+ community with the area and national communities while honoring members of the transgender community who have died during the last year as a result of violence, whether by murder or suicide. Representatives of the Survivor Empowerment Center will speak about resources available to help anyone who is being harassed or stalked.
In addition, the center will be collecting hats, gloves, scarfs and coats of all sizes for those who seek help there.
For more information about the event or the university’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer (LGBTQ+) Resource Center, a unit of the Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, contact Angela Towne, the center’s coordinator, at angela.towne@siu.edu or 618-453-5627. SIU’s Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies registered student organization is a co-sponsor of the event.