Transgender Awareness Week 

Transgender Awareness Week

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH COMMUNICATIONS –

The Trans community has a long history of overcoming exclusion, mistreatment, and discrimination. Despite increased support and numerous victories achieved along the way, it’s crucial to recognize that the Trans community still faces significant challenges today, and every day. In times like these, it’s important for us to come together as a community to amplify the voices and visibility of our Trans community, ensuring they feel seen, loved, and heard on our campus.

Transgender Awareness Week, observed from Nov. 13-19, leads up to the National Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20, a day dedicated to remembering victims of transphobic violence. While we commemorate and celebrate during this week, our support for the transgender community should extend far beyond commemorative holidays.

To affirm our support for our Trans community, the LGBT Resource Center, in collaboration with the Women’s Resource Center and the Center for Campus Wellness, will host a series of events throughout the month of November that are specifically designed to center and uplift our Trans community. In these events, we have designed proactive activities and safe spaces to celebrate, support, and spread love throughout our Trans community.

Upcoming events

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Nov. 17 & 20 at the LGBT Resource Center

On Nov. 17, the LGBT Resource Center will distribute Trans flags at various locations on campus and will provide a space for the community to come in, write affirmations, letters and draw pictures in support of our Trans community. Additionally, a Transgender Day of Remembrance flag installation will be displayed outside the Union building on Nov. 20.

QTSOC: Cozy Game Night

Wednesday, Nov. 22, at the LGBT Resource Center, 3-5 p.m.

Unwind from finals with an evening of friends, community, and cozy games! Enjoy Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and board games.

Uplifting our Voices through Art Expression

Monday, Nov. 27, 11-3 p.m. at the Unity Lounge

Trans students and the gender expansive community are invited to create art that reflects their identities beyond what meets the eye.

QTea Talks

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 12-1 p.m. at the LGBT Resource Center

Join us for an afternoon of tea and discussions covering LGBTQ+ issues, celebrations, community connection, and more. This week’s discussion will center on our Trans and gender-expansive community, focusing on empowerment through gender expression and gender expansiveness.

QTSOC: Poetry Night

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 3-5 p.m. at the Unity Lounge

We welcome our Queer/Trans Students of Color to engage in meaningful conversations and community-building activities. This event will revolve around our Transgender/Gender expansive community, with a special focus on slam poetry. We encourage participants to bring and share poetry or short stories created by Trans BIPOC individuals, creating a space for reflection and appreciation.

Healing Circle

Thursday, Nov. 30, 8-11 a.m. at Unity Lounge

Trans students are invited to join a conversation about mental health and wellness. We will provide a professional sound bath, meditation circles, and other holistic wellness practices.

Fab Friday: Queer the Holidays Potluck

Friday, Dec. 1, 3-5 p.m. at the Unity Lounge

During this Fab Friday event, students are encouraged to contribute by bringing a holiday dish to share, as well as participate in crafting a “home for the holidays care package.” Recognizing that the holidays can be a challenging time for our LGBTQ+ students, we aim to provide students with a thoughtful gift and care package to brighten their holiday season.

Additional support

Personalized support, including counseling sessions, wellness workshops, virtual 24/7 support, and more, is available through the student mental health resources. Furthermore, the LGBT Resource Center is open to students, faculty, and staff seeking a place to relax, connect with the community, or engage in a conversation with a staff member when needed.