University News

Trans* Awareness Week at WIU Nov. 6-13

November 3, 2023

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University's LGBT*QA Resource Center will host a variety of activities Nov. 6-13 to celebrate Trans* Awareness Week.

The events planned for the week include:

Monday, Nov. 6, 6-8 p.m, Trans* Day of Remembrance Vigil, Multicultural Center: The vigil is to honor the lives lost to Anti-Trans* violence. It is a call to stand against violence towards Trans* people. During the event, the names of each Trans* person who lost their lives to Anti-trans* violence will be read aloud, and a candle will be lit for the memory of each as a symbol of lighting their way in the dark.

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2:30-4 p.m., What's the T*?, LGBT*QA Resource Center: The LGBT*QA Resource Center hosts "What's the T*?" the first Tuesday of every month to educate students and discuss LGBT*QA issues within the community. This week, the discussion will be centered on the issues transitioning individuals face on a daily basis.

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6-8 p.m., "The Stroll" Movie Night, Sandburg Theatre: In collaboration with Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, the LGBT*QA Resource Center will show "The Stroll" - a movie on how a Trans* woman of color survives the hardships of sexuality, sisterhood and sex work. Discussion questions to help facilitate conversations and stimulate students' minds will be raised.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-noon, Yo-Gay & Self-Care, Multicultural Center: The LGBT*QA Resource Center will be hosting a yoga session with an instructor from the WIU Student Recreation Center, stretching and enjoying a nutritious breakfast together as one.

Friday, Nov. 10, Noon-2 p.m., "Pay it no Mind" Art Workshop, Casa Latina Lounge: Join the LGBT*QA Resource Center for an art workshop inspired by LGBTQIA+ Activist and Icon Marsha P. Johnson and learn to artistically process emotions by building flower crowns while enjoying exhibits themed around giving individuals their flowers while they are alive.

Monday, Nov. 13, 2-4 p.m., Trans* Day of Support, Multicultural Center: The Trans* Day of Support is a social event to support Trans* individuals and their allies. There will be a clothing swap session where individuals can bring and take clothes for and from the Q closet. There will be on-site binder fittings for individuals. Throughout the event, there will be crafting and having snacks.

"Trans* Awareness Week is annually observed by the LGBT*QA Resource Center and nationally in the month of November," said LGBT*QA Resource Center Graduate Assistant Janae' Patterson. "The candlelight vigil remembers Trans* individuals who have been subjected to Anti-Trans* violence in 2023 and serves as an awareness-raising memorial to the disproportionate level of violence against Trans* people."

"It is 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," added LGBT*QA Resource Center Graduate Assistant Yazmin Laserna.

All events are open free to the public.

For more information, contact the LGBT*QA Resource Center at 309-298-4004 or lgbtqa@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Chiamaka Ezeobi (cc-ezeobi@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing