GSA recognizes Transgender Day of Remembrance
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–
The Davis High Gay-Straight Alliance held a vigil on Nov. 20 to remember transgender people all over the world who have died as a result of bullying, hate or murder.
During lunch, senior GSA president Utsav Bhargava read the names, ages and locations of transgenders under the age of 25 who have been killed, most from the United States or Latin America. The list included thirty-five nameless victims and eight-year-old Alex Medeiros who was murdered by his own father.
Senior Kelly Evans solemnly presented the inspiration behind Transgender Day of Remembrance, her voice echoing from the speakers across the quad to the students eating lunch. She explained that hundreds of people have died simply because strangers, acquaintances or even family members have not been able to accept them for who they really are.
“This kind of vigil is typically what’s done for Transgender Day of Remembrance, especially in more metropolitan areas where there are more trans people,” Evans said . “We just wanted to present a small-scale remembrance to draw attention to this violent issue.”
Senior Ricky Tan, a GSA member, explained that while DHS students may not encounter trans people every day, it is important to be aware of injustices against them.
“We have a very small transgender population on campus, and I don’t think that there is very much bullying,” said Tan. “However, I think that DHS students are not very aware of transgender people and the issues they must face. That is why we’re holding this vigil–to spread awareness.”
