By: Tim Schumacher ’18, staff writer
Nearly 30 LVC members gathered in Miller Chapel Lobby for the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil on November 15.
Students came to provide poems, personal experiences and stories while others came just to listen and offer their condolences for those who lost their lives.
The crowd consisted of a few transgender members on campus who gave insight of what it is like to be transgender at LVC and the challenges that come with it. The conversation continued regarding new external pressures transgenders feel from the recent election outcome with Caitlyn Jenner being the national transgender figure.
“It’s hard to relate to a celebrity when so many transgenders live in the margins,” Andrew Godleski, a transgender student, said.
According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 55 percent of all reported LGBT homicide victims were transgender women, and 50 percent were transgender women of color.
“Transgender people face a life filled with suffering,” Reverend Dr. Paul Fullmer, chaplain and director of service at LVC, said. “We make LVC a safe place for them.”
During the remembrance vigil, pictures and background information of dozens of transgender women who had recently lost their lives played on a PowerPoint for members to acknowledge. After personal stories and experiences were shared, a candle lighting service and moment of silence was held.
For someone who is unsure of his or her gender identity or who wants to talk about the subject can reach out to the Women’s Services and Gender Resource Center. The counseling center and Dr. Fullmer’s office are also great places to speak one’s mind.
Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a trans woman and has been celebrated at LVC since 2005. This day of remembrance is typically held on November 20; however LVC hosted the event this year five days earlier.