By Grace Eberts, EIC
On November 13, Transgender Awareness Week begins, leading us into Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20.
Between rises in violence and problematic legislation, we must work to support the transgender and non-binary community everywhere, but especially within GW. Whether you show up as an ally or identify as non-binary or transgender, working to create, encourage, and support safe spaces for students within our college is an important step you can take for your community.
There are lots of events happening on campus throughout the next week, so keep reading to see where and how you can get involved.
Thursday, November 10 @ 7:30 PM – Stamp with Pride! Letter Writing to Trans Folks
GW Women in Business and the Business Pride Network (read our feature on BPN here!) are partnering up to put on a letter-writing event. In Duques 651, the organizations will have letter-writing supplies and snacks to set you up to write letters of affirmation through Point of Pride.
Register on Engage here.
Monday, November 14 @ 5:30 PM – Trans 101
To start the school week, the Transgender and Non-Binary Students of GWU are hosting a “Trans 101” event to discuss and address students’ questions about the transgender community. Whether you are looking to be a better ally, have specific questions, or just want to improve your awareness, join the conversation in USC 404.
Register on Engage here.
Tuesday, November 15 @ 4:30 PM – HRTea Party
The Transgender and Non-Binary Students of GWU will be welcoming a guest speaker from Whitman-Walker Health to discuss questions about the process of gender transition and provide resources about Hormone Replacement Therapy. Head to MSSC Room 209 to attend the talk and bring your questions to the Q&A session afterward.
Register on Engage here.
Wednesday, November 16 @ 6 PM – Family Relationships & Skill Building
Engaging in conversation on campus is a great way to prepare for navigating holiday dinners and conversations on identity. Join Raise Up GW as they discuss and practice how to handle these high-stress situations at home. They will be meeting in District House B205 with free food for all those who attend!
Register on Engage here.
Thursday, November 17 @ 4 PM – Pride Abroad
Out in IA and the Office of Study Abroad are working together to host a discussion about the study abroad experiences of students in the LGBTQIA+ community at GW. Students will share advice, recommendations, and important things to consider before going abroad as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is a critical discussion for anyone interested in studying abroad but is concerned about what this experience will look like in a country that they are unfamiliar with. Join them in District B207.
Register here via the Office of Study Abroad.
Finally, Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual day of observance to honor the lives of those lost by anti-transgender violence. On November 20, there are many different ways that you can participate in honoring and remembering these victims.
Sunday, November 20 @ 12-3 PM – Vigil in Kogan
Join the GW community in Kogan Plaza for a vigil and reading of victims’ names.
Sunday, November 20 @ 5 PM – Transition (The Christine Jorgensen Collection)
A two-act comedy-drama based on the life of Christine Jorgensen will be shown in collaboration with the Maryland State Arts Council. You can register and learn more here.
Monday, November 21 @ 7 PM – Genderqueer DC Support Group
Following the week, Genderqueer DC will be hosting its monthly support group meeting on Monday. For more information, you can visit their website here.
