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LGBT holds candlelight vigil

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The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Campus Center held a candlelight vigil on Library Mall Wednesday night.

Dozens congregated with candles, as members of the student organization pleaded for government legislation to raise awareness of hate crimes against those who identify as transgender and other alternative lifestyles, as well as remember those who have died due to violence against people who identify as transgender.

“The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes,” claimed the organization in a recent press release. “It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgendered people, an action that current media does not perform.”

According to group members, this vigil comes on the heels of the most violent year on record against transgender individuals.

“This year is the most deadly in transgender violence,” said Chris Johnson, director of the LGBT Campus Center. “Twenty-five this year alone have died.”

Speakers for the group explained transgender violence is not always directed toward people who identify as transgender. Rae Knittel, LGBT member and speaker at the vigil described a situation where a man carrying his wife’s purse and holding a blind man’s hand was attacked and murdered.

Knittel went on to explain that a reason new legislation is needed is in part due to general public ignorance to hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

“It is just as wrong to act out against someone because they are transgender as it would be if they were African-American,” she said. “The media has paid little attention when violence is caused to gays, lesbians and transgendered people.”

The crowd of students and Madison residents seemed supportive and receptive of the organization’s message. “[My husband and I] are very active in Madison PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays),” Madison resident Nancy Jones said. “So we are 100 percent supportive [of the LGBT Campus Center].”

“I am in support of transgender people’s rights,” said Ryiah Lilith, crowd member and Madison resident. “And I am in strong opposition of ‘transphobia.’”

“It is time to put hate crime legislation into effect and say ‘enough is enough’ to hate crime,” exclaimed Knittel. “Stop the hate.”