Maine Memo— Trans Day of Remembrance/LGBTQ+ violence

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities,

Sunday, Nov. 20 was International Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual commemoration dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia.

In the U.S. this year, 32 transgender and gender-diverse people have been fatally shot or killed by other violent means, according to the Human Rights Coalition. Last year, a record 57 people were killed, marking a steady uptick in transphobic violence in our country.

This weekend, a gunman in Colorado Springs, Colorado terrorized customers in a gun attack on a LGBTQ nightclub, killing five and injuring at least 18 others. The news is shocking, devastating, and eerily familiar.

Like many of you, we are horrified by the rampage at Club Q, and all acts of violence that are motivated by hate, bigotry, and ignorance. Hateful, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has no place in our community. We must not become complacent in our refusal to accept it. Instead, we honor those whose lives have been lost to senseless violence, and recommit, as a university community, to creating an environment where all people are safe, welcome, and included.

UMaine students, faculty, or staff in need of support can contact the counseling centers at UMaine, 207.581.1392, and UMaine Machias, 207.255.1343; the university’s Employee Assistance Program, 877.622.4327; or the UMaine Dean of Students Office, 207.581.1406 and UMaine Machias Office of Student Life, 207.255.1320.

Sincerely,

Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President

John Volin
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Robert Dana
Vice President for Student Life and Inclusive Excellence
Dean of Students

Heather Ball
Interim Dean and Campus Director, UMaine Machias