TO THE EDITOR:
Sunday marked the 13th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day memorializing those killed due to anti-transgender fear and hatred. This year, at least 20 people were murdered solely because of anti-transgender bias — nine in the U.S. and 11 internationally.
In a 2011 survey by two national LGBTQ organizations, 26 percent of respondents had experienced physical assault due to being transgender. Transgender discrimination also exists on our campus. The recent Campus Climate Report indicated that 36 percent of transgender respondents had experienced verbal harassment and fear for their physical safety because of their gender identity or gender expression.
Physical safety should be a fundamental right, not a privilege. Individuals must confront anti-transgender discrimination at this university.
The University’s non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Those who experience or witness threats, discrimination or harassment can file reports via the LGBTQ Center, Office of the Dean of Students or the Equal Opportunity/ADA Office.
I hope that this Transgender Day of Remembrance will be not only a day of remembering but also an incentive to create change, and that people will begin to recognize and celebrate the creativity, authenticity and contributions of the diverse transgender communities.
For information on resources and services offered by the LGBTQ Center, visit lgbtq.unc.edu or call 919-843-5376.
Laura Baker
Graduate Assistant
LGBTQ Center
Terri Phoenix
Director
LGBTQ Center
