Walk honors transgender violence victims
More than 60 people gathered at First Presbyterian Church in Washington for a candlelight walk Friday to honor transgender homicide victims.
The walk, hosted by Washington County Gay Straight Alliance, was one of about 300 vigils held throughout the United States and the world to observe the 16th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
At least 21 transgender people lost their lives to violence in the United States so far this year (81 died worldwide), according to a recent report from the Human Rights Campaign.
Danny Shaffer, 19, of Washington, a social work major at Chatham University who is transgender, organized Friday’s event.
“I’ve faced a lot of discrimination on a daily basis since I came out, and I’ve feared for my life,” said Shaffer. “I’ve seen a lot of violence, and I couldn’t not get involved.”
International Transgender Day of Remembrance started in San Francisco in 1999 to honor Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in her Massachusetts home in 1998.
“We need to bring awareness to this and to recognize those people who died for trying to live their lives. It’s sad and unfortunate that in 2015 these types of hate crimes still exist,” said Ketwana Schoos, Assistant Dean of Student Life for Inclusive Campus Engagement at Washington & Jefferson College.
Taped on cups that held the candles were the names of those who lost their lives and the manner in which they died.
Among transgenders who died in 2015 were Diosvany Munoz Robaina, a 24-year-old who was stoned to death in Cuba; Mercedes Williamson, a 17-year-old beaten to death in Alabama; and Keyshia Blige, a 33-year-old woman who was fatally shot in Aurora, Ill.
Most victims were transgender women of color.
Shaffer said he believes taping the names, ages, locations and causes of death on the cups “was a powerful way to recognize the people who died in 2015.”
The Rev. Steve Smith Jr., pastor of First Presbyterian Church, said the church is an advocate for equality, and encourages inclusiveness.
“We’re glad to be a church who doesn’t beat up on people for who they are, and who sees every person as a gift from God,” said Rev. Smith.
It was the third year WCGSA held the walk.