Oscar Almonte Espinal

November 2o is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to memorialize and reflect on those people who have been victims of violent transphobic actions not only in the United States but across the world. In honor of this important and reflective day, The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Penn State Abington held a program that educated those who attended about why this day exists.

The program mainly followed a powerful presentation that included two videos and some statistics about the year behind us. According to the presentation, just this year more than 35 Transgender and gender non-conforming people have been victims of transphobic violent actions, two of which have happened in Philadelphia. One of the presenters mentioned, “it is important to recognize that this is an epidemic happening within a pandemic.”

The most powerful portion of the presentation was a  five-minute-long video that served as a moment of silence for those victims whom lost their lives due to this heinous hatred. That moment of silence was viscerally impactful and those who attended expressed their gratitude.

The 40-minute virtual program finished on a positive note by reminding the audience that although these things are happening, even close to home, we need to find ways to show support and fight against transphobia in every way possible.

Before the program ended, those who attended made sure to thank the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for holding that space open for the Penn State Abington community. Showing once again why it is important to have an office that represents those communities who are often erased from our everyday lives.