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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Honoring Transgender Individuals Lost To Violence, Recognizing Resilience

Jessie Schlacks / WNIJ

A candlelight vigil Thursday marked the end of Northern Illinois University's Transgender Week of Resilience.

Organizers read aloud names of transgender people across the world who were victims of violence last year. 

Other events this week included NIU unveiling an option for students to enter a preferred name on their school account; this name will appear for professors and in most campus systems.

Molly Holmes, with the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, says recognizing the resilience of trans-identifying individuals also honors those who were lost. 

“Giving highlight to trans identities, I think gathers the already-building awareness, but also gives space to gather in solidarity. And it happens at a time when it’s needed," Holmes said. 

Kristen Lash, a student involved with the Resource Center, says there needs to be long-term commitment for change. 

“When you boil it down to a week, then people can kind of go to a vigil or go to an event and then pat themselves on the back and say, ‘I’ve done my duty for the year,'" Lash said. "And so the real hope and the real importance of these weeks is not just visibility, but really a call to action."

Lash says the center is forming a student task force called “Trans Action” to advise the university on the needs of transgender students. 

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