Roosevelt University students, faculty, staff and allies came together on November 20 for a powerful and reflective Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil. The event (hosted by RU Proud, Roosevelt’s LGBTQ+ student organization) provided a space to honor the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives to violence, while reaffirming the University’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Guest moderator Dee Dee Watters, a respected transgender advocate, activist and community organizer, guided attendees through the evening’s reflections. Watters spoke about the history and significance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance and emphasized the importance of visibility, community support and collective action in the ongoing fight for trans liberation. Her facilitation, which centered on affirmations such as “I Am” and “Healing Has Options,” set a thoughtful and grounded tone for the vigil.
As Roosevelt’s LGBTQ+ student-led organization, RU Proud works to foster a welcoming, affirming and educational environment for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. The group hosts social gatherings, identity-affirming programs, educational workshops and advocacy efforts aimed at increasing awareness, building community and supporting the well-being of queer and trans students across campus.
The vigil included moments of silence, candle lighting and offering ceremony and opportunities for attendees to reflect on the names and stories of those lost. Participants expressed gratitude for the space to connect, mourn and stand in solidarity with the transgender community.
The event served as a moving reminder of Roosevelt University’s commitment to social justice and to cultivating a campus where all members—especially those most marginalized—are seen, valued and supported.
