This week the Multicultural Center and the Safe Zone Student Ally Network are taking time to shine awareness on the transgender community. An umbrella term, transgender can encompass a variety of identities, including, but not limited to, non-binary and two-spirited individuals. Acceptance of our transgender friends and families is one of the best ways we can support those at higher risk for harm, physical violence and mental distress than their cisgender counterparts.

In the past year, there has been a record amount of violent acts done to trans individuals. In 2021 to date, 43 trans individuals have lost their lives due to violence in the United States. It is heartbreaking to consider the number of full and vibrant lives cut short due to ignorance, hate and violence.

Join us this week as we honor those we have lost and pledge support to those still here.

EVENTS

Memorial boxes on display in the Anne Kittrell Art Gallery on the fourth floor of the Arkansas Union commemorating the 43 trans lives lost this year alone to hate violence. Memorial boxes for each person have been crafted by U of A students, staff and faculty (Monday through Sunday, Nov. 15-21)

Fields of flags will be installed in the lawns of the Union Mall, Gearhart Hall, Lot 56 (by the Gardens) and 1021 Food Hall to visually represent the hundreds of lives lost (from Tuesday to Tuesday, Nov. 16-23)

Transgender Day of Remembrance is celebrated nationally on Saturday, Nov. 20.

If you have questions or want to learn more about the memorial box installation, please email Sarah Campau at scccampau@uark or about the field of flags, Karleigh Farrell at knf006@uark.edu.