by Jessica Carreras
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 http://www.transgenderdor.org
