Wed., March 21 was International Trans Day of Visibility, a day meant to celebrate transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people and raise awareness of the discrimination and issues that the trans community faces.
Drew Student Activities sought to educate Drew students on these issues, as well as provide information for the community at their Trans Day of Visibility and Empowerment eEvent. From 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, student organizers sat in the lobby of commons handing out flyers with health resources for trans youth, along with transgender pride buttons, flag pins, pronoun pins, and a fun treat: boba tea. The flyers included information about GLAAD, Project Health, LGBTQ2+ Youth Group, Transgender Services Committee and Stand With Trans Youth, all nonprofit organizations which provide health services or guidance to trans youth.
Jessica Luis C’22, who helped organize the event, said, “Trans Day of Visibility and Empowerment is a day to address the issues the LGBTQ+ community faces on the topic of Trans, Non-binary and Gender Non-conforming people.” She added, “it is important to stay informed and educated on issues happening within our community, that is why this event is important.”
Hope Sanders, C’23, who also helped plan the event, said, “I think that this event went very well! Most people came for the boba admittedly, but they left with an appreciation for our efforts. We had information to give out about mental health awareness for trans people, and I think that people really appreciated that. Someone even said that they were glad that we had this event because there’s not a lot of awareness for Trans people, especially on campus.”
If you are looking for more health resources for transgender youth, look at any of the organizations listed above or reach out to drewstuact@drew.edu for more assistance.
