The LGBTQ Resource Center is proud to announce Trans Week of Liberation (TWoL) as its annual celebration. On Sunday, March 31 during International Trans Day of Visibility. The year honors and applauds transgender people’s resilience, contributions, and diversity on a global scale.
The TWoL and International Trans Day of Visibility’s Past
Trans Day of Visibility was born in 2010 as a result of the tireless efforts of Transgender Michigan head Rachel Crandall in response to the negative press coverage that transgender people were receiving for their assault. By empowering trans people to feel honored and live openly, Crandall attempted to change the narrative while also bringing attention to the disparate practices in the community and keeping in mind that not every transgender person wants to be visible.
“Because embracing trans pride and expression is crucial to our lives, the LGBTQ Resource Center shifts the focus from memory to independence. We want to inspire and challenge our international communities and Syracuse University to think about how trans people have influenced our shared experiences and history, as well as continue to improve our world and society through our contributions,” says Meegs Longacre, director of the LGBTQ Resource Center. “We are excited to have a year of events dedicated to transgender independence, transcending limitations, and reaching for the stars to honor our trans home! We want to create spaces for transgender students, staff, faculty, those who are reshaping themselves and want to explore that aspect of themselves, as well as for people to learn more about our community and how to support us.”
Trans Week of Liberation 2024
“The importance of celebrating trans pride and expression is highlighted by Tommy DaSilva’s ‘Trans Week of Liberation,'” says Tommy DaSilva. “Transgressing based on gender identity and sex norms is suffocating, and we can observe the trans people who are attempting to dismantle these systems and others that bind us,” he says. “As we live in a time when people are out and proud with all kinds of identities, we may boost transgender joy and expression now more than ever,” he says.
Throughout the week, a series of activities aimed at fostering celebration, knowledge, equality, and support for transgender people will include the following:
Ways to Support Transgender Individuals
“Tatiyyanah Nelums ’25 says, ‘Trans Week of Liberation holds a special place in my heart as a femme-presenting non-binary individual. It’s a time when people come together to acknowledge and appreciate the complexity of gender identities. This week serves as a powerful reminder of the value of tolerance and understanding. It’s about making everyone feel heard, respected, and seen for who they are. Trans Week of Liberation is a beacon of hope that points to the development of a world where gender diversity is celebrated and affirmed. It’s a concerted effort to build a more inclusive future for all, promote empathy, and dispel stereotypes.”
All members of the campus community are welcome to take part in TWoL and show support by attending events and learning more. Educational opportunities include learning more about what being transgender is and what being cisgender is, respecting people’s preferred names and pronouns, attending a Safe Zone, Trans 101, and/or Pronoun Competency training.
For more information about Trans Week of Liberation, please contact the LGBTQ Resource Center at lgbtq@syr.edu or call 315.443.0228.
Story by Student Experience Communications Graduate Assistant Kalaya Sibley ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
