News briefs: Transgender Day of Remembrance event in Salem, Much Ado About Nothing at WOU

Staff
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The Salem Human Rights Commission’s LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Rights Task Force is organizing a Transgender Day of Remembrance event this month at the Salem Public Library.
The Salem Human Rights Commission’s LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Rights Task Force is organizing a Transgender Day of Remembrance event this month at the Salem Public Library.

Salem Human Rights Commission organizes Transgender Day of Remembrance event

The Salem Human Rights Commission’s LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Rights Task Force is organizing a Transgender Day of Remembrance event on Nov. 20 for the local community.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that takes place throughout the world to honor Rita Hester, who was murdered in 1998.

"This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing discrimination and violence that the transgender community faces and the importance of advocating for their rights and safety," said Kelsey Murray, vice chair of the Salem Human Rights Commission and the chair of the Commission’s LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Rights Task Force.

"It is also a time to celebrate the resilience and strength of the transgender community in the face of adversity," Murray said. "Transgender Day of Remembrance is a call to action for all of us to work towards a more just and inclusive world where everyone can live free from fear and discrimination."

Murray said that although progress toward inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse people has been made in recent years, there is still a long way to go. Those in the community still face higher rates of violence, discrimination and marginalization. Many lawmakers across the country have pushed anti-trans bills.

"It is important for all of us to stand in solidarity with the transgender community and to speak out against hate and intolerance," Murray said. "By working together, we can create a world where every person is valued and respected, regardless of their gender identity."

On Monday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m., the LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Rights Task Force will hold an event at Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library to honor those lost and recommit to a brighter future. People can also watch on YouTube at http://bit.ly/TDOR2023.

—Whitney Woodworth

'Much Ado About Nothing' performances at WOU through Nov. 18

Western Oregon University’s Theatre Department is performing William Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing" through Nov. 18 at Rice Auditorium, 344 Knox St N in Monmouth.

“This show is special because it's the first mainstage Shakespeare play that we are doing in quite some time," said senior theatre arts major Cole Richardson who is performing as Don John. "Things changed a bit during the pandemic. But now we’re back and better than ever.”

The remaining performances will be at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 15-18. There also is a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. that will include an ASL interpreter.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 503-838-8462, and in person Monday-Friday from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $14, $8 for students, $10 for senior citizens, and free to student with a WOU ID.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Transgender Day Remembrance in Salem, Much Ado About Nothing at WOU