Michigan events in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance

From: www.pridesource.com
by Jessica Carreras
Originally printed 11/13/2008 (Issue 1646 - Between The Lines News)

On Nov. 28, 1998, transgender woman Rita Hester was murdered. The event sparked a San Francisco-based day of remembrance in her honor the next year.

Since then, the day has grown to become the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, held this year on Nov. 20. It is celebrated all over the world - from America to Australia to Germany - to honor the lives of transgendered loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS, hate crimes, cancer and other causes.

Below is a look at events, vigils and film showings happening across the state in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Awareness Week.

Thursday, Nov. 13

Keith Orr of /aut/ Bar

Sandy Samons Book Release Party

Celebrating the release of her book "When the Opposite Sex Isn't: Sexual Orientation in Male-to-Female Transgender People."

7-8:30 p.m.

SH/aut/ Cabaret and Gallery, Ann Arbor

Friday, Nov. 14

TransAction

Sylvia Guerrero

The activist, author and trans ally will speak about the loss of her daughter, Gwen Araujo, a trans woman who was murdered in 2002. A Lifetime movie, "A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story," was made about their story.

7 p.m.

Wonders Hall Kiva

Michigan State University, East Lansing

Monday, Nov. 17

Out 'N About

"Soldier's Girl"

A showing of a film about a soldier who falls in love with a transgendered singer. Based on a true story. Discussion to follow.

4:30 p.m.

Michigan Room A, University Center

University of Michigan, Flint

Spectrum Center

Transcending Gender Art Show

6 p.m.

Art Lounge, Union

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Spectrum Center

"En El Fuego"

5 p.m.

Educational Conference Center, School of Social Work

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

TransAction

"Todo Sobre Mi Madre"

This film follows a woman as she searches for the father of her dead son.

7 p.m.

West McDonel Hall

Michigan State University, East Lansing

Thursday, Nov. 20

Out 'N About

"Beautiful Daughters"

A documentary that shows the making of Eve Ensler's first all-transgender production of her famous play "The Vagina Monologues.

3 p.m.

Happenings Room, University Center

University of Michigan, Flint

TransAction

Candlelight Vigil

Meet at the campus's Union Building to walk over to location.

7:20 p.m.

Administration Building

Michigan State University, East Lansing

Friday, Nov. 21

Transgender Detroit

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Featuring guest speakers Dan Levy and Ashley Sweeney.

7 p.m.

Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit

2441 Pinecrest Ave., Fernale

Spectrum Center

Transgender Day of Remembrance

7 p.m.

Fourth floor conference rooms, Rackham

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Saturday, Nov. 22

Transgender Detroit

Potluck Dinner

With presentation of movie "Boys Don't Cry."

7 p.m.

Affirmations

290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale

Sunday, Nov. 23

Spectrum Center

LGBT Ally Training

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

MSA Chambers, Union

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

For more information, go to www.transgenderdor.org