LGBT Resource Center hosts Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil

The UNF LGBT Resource Center, in conjunction with the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality, is hosting the 2016 Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony on Wednesday, November 16 at 7 PM ET at the University of North Florida’s Osprey Plaza. 

“In 2016 alone, 23 people lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence, making it the most deadly year on record,” Jake Moore, program coordinator for UNF’s LGBT Resource Center said. “Enough is enough. It is time that we put an end to this senseless violence and work to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

The annual candlelight vigil will feature speakers who will honor those who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence, including model, business owner and law student Dezjorn Gauthier. Gauthier will speak on the “Visibility contradiction: Why trans people are dying in an age of celebrity.”

“Transgender individuals are our friends, coworkers, neighbors and family members. We hope to use this event to honor those who have suffered or lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence,” Moore said. “We also hope it will serve as an opportunity for the rest of the community to learn about the very real struggles transgender and gender nonconforming people regularly suffer.”

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is open to the public. Following the keynote address and candle vigil, hot cocoa and a celebration of life will follow in the LGBT Resource Center.

WHAT:          University of North Florida’s Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
WHO:            UNF LGBT Resource Center, JCE  &  Guest Speaker Dezjorn Gauthier
WHEN:          Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 7 PM ET
WHERE:         University of North Florida — Osprey Plaza
                       1 U N F Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

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