ETSU celebrated Transgender Remembrance Day on Nov. 20, welcoming the community to reflect and bond together.

This event has been hosted on ETSU’s campus for many years now. Even before SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) started, ETSU has shown the campus LGBTQ+ community their love and support.

Bethany Dye, coordinator of Dr. Patricia Robertson Pride Center, stated, “We have a display showing photos and descriptions of those who we are honoring during the event throughout the day. In the evening part of the event, we will have an opening speaker who is part of the trans community who will go over the history of the event as well as some personal remarks.”

While the weather can affect attendance, these events tend to be well attended. Even with the emotions people have experienced, events such as Transgender Remembrance Day has provided people with a community that sees and loves them.

With ETSU’s plans to continue supporting this community, there are many goals for this campus.

Photo of Ashlei Boisvert placing a transgender flag. (Contributed/Boston University)

“There are a lot of short and long-term goals to ensure the safety and support of all of our students, faculty, and staff. Even in just the last 5-7 years, we have seen the expansion of gender-neutral restroom facilities, the ability to change your name in certain university software, being ability to put your pronouns on your business cars, and of course, the creation and support of the Dr. Patricia Robertson Pride Center,” Dye shared.

ETSU has been able to host trans support groups and discussions, increasing education of the history of non-he/she pronouns and showcasing queer identities in cultures around the world.

Dye stated, “People come first at ETSU, and through our center, we have been able to bring the voices of these students, faculty and staff to the table.  We are only one of two public institutions in the state that has a dedicated student support center that specializes in sexuality and gender minority topics, and I think that says a lot about the support and care we are able to give.”

You can find the Dr. Patricia Robertson Pride Center on the second floor of the D.P. Culp University Center at room 215. If you need or want to talk to anyone you can reach the Pride Center at 423-439-8408.

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