The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Sends a Message of Solidarity for »Transgender Day of Remembrance«
From 13 to 20 November, the »Trans Pride Flag« will be displayed on the balcony of the Main Building to express solidarity with the trans communities: The »Transgender Day of Remembrance« (TDoR) on 20 November commemorates victims of transphobic violence worldwide. The campaign was initiated by the StuKo (Student Government)’s »QueerYMR«.
»The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is committed to diversity, open-mindedness, and democracy – values that also apply when it comes to gender diversity. We reject all forms of discrimination, marginalisation, and violence based on gender identity. We are also dedicated to actively breaking down existing barriers that affect the trans/inter/non-binary (TIN) community. To recognise the international »Transgender Day of Remembrance«, we are sending a message of solidarity by displaying the Trans Pride Flag on our Main Building«, says Prof. Peter Benz, President of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
»As a representative of queer students at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, it is important to us to show out support for trans people at our university. It is especially symbolic for the university to stand up for human rights at a time when trans rights are being used as a pawn by the extreme right and when transphobic discourse is dominating the media landscape in Europe and North America«, explains Oskar Wienecke from QueerYMR.
»Transgender Day of Remembrance« also marks the end of »Transgender Awareness Week«: This global week-long campaign against transphobia and for gender-diversity acceptance takes place every year from 13 to 19 November. During this event, QueerYMR also organises numerous activities for trans people and those questioning their gender identity:
On 15 November from 6:30 to 8 pm, the »Trans*-Selbsthilfegruppe« is offering trans people a place to get to know one another, network, and provide support for one another in the M18 machine room.
Participants can express themselves creatively at a zine workshop on 18 November, starting at 5 pm in the M18 machine room.
From 5 to 8 pm on 19 November, participants can make jewellery in trans pride colours at the Arts & Crafts Workshop in the M18 machine room.
On 21 November starting at 2 pm in the M18 Café s140, visitors can write letters to trans people who are serving time in prison.
Various »Transgender Day of Remembrance« events are taking place in Weimar and the surrounding area to commemorate, recognise, and empower trans communities.
About »Transgender Day of Remembrance«
»Transgender Day of Remembrance« was launched in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith. The impetus was the murder of African-American trans woman Rita Hester. Smith, along with other activists, held a silent vigil in San Francisco’s Castro District in memory of Rita Hester and other trans people who have been murdered since her death. Since then, on 20 November, people around the world have commemorated those who were killed because of hatred and prejudice against trans people.
Further information on QueerYMR »Transgender Day of Remembrance« initiatives can be found on their instagram:https://www.instagram.com/queerymr/
»Transgender Day of Remembrance« events and activities in Weimar and the surrounding area can be found in the »Vielfalt leben — QueerWeg Verein für Thüringen e.V.« calendar:https://www.queerweg.de/component/jevents/Monatskalender/2024/11/
Further information on the »Trans Pride Flag« and the history of »LGBTIQ* Pride« can be found at:https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/struktur/zentrale-einrichtungen/gleichstellungsbuero/campus-pride-week/geschichte-der-lgbtiq-pride-flaggen/
Contact:
Dr. Michael Wallner
Equal Opportunity and Diversity Advisor
E-mail: michael.wallner[at]uni-weimar.de