Gay Straight Alliance holds transgender day of remembrance, candlelight vigil

ST. GEORGE – The Dixie State University Gay Straight Alliance is holding its annual candlelight vigil in remembrance of those lost to transgender related violence. The vigil will take place at the Dixie State University Outdoor Amphitheater Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m and the community is invited to attend.

In the hour before the candlelight vigil, speakers Claudia Bradshaw, Christina Duncan and selected students will speak on topics such as the differences between sexuality and gender identity, transphobia, transitioning, and personal life experiences.

The candlelight vigil will be in honor of those lost to transgender related violence and will include a name reading.

“This event will bring it home that some people face serious discrimination to the point where people are killed,” DSU’s Gay Straight Alliance President Kristian Johnson said. “Not being exposed to it here, we forget people can be killed just for their gender identity, just for being who they are.”

There will be a bonfire as well as hot chocolate and candles available. Bringing a jacket is recommended.

After the candlelight vigil, community members are encouraged to stay, ask questions and meet with other supporters of equality.

“This is a great introductory event to come out and meet people who support equality in our community,” Johnson said. “We have great allies.”

Event information

  • What: Candlelight vigil to remember those lost to transgender related violence
  • When: Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Dixie State University Outdoor Amphitheater
  • Website: DSU Gay Straight Alliance

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15 Comments

  • Notagain November 19, 2014 at 7:37 pm

    A total waste of time. (but maybe Dixie U. can pick up some grant money?) hum….
    How about a segment on the persecution of folks living in Colorado City, Hilldale area?

    • Zonkerb November 19, 2014 at 10:39 pm

      Oh don’t worry about that they say it doesn’t happen

  • DAVE RABBITT November 19, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    Homosexual activist Paul Varnell wrote in the Chicago Free Press:

    “The gay movement, whether we acknowledge it or not, is not a civil rights movement, not even a sexual liberation movement, but a moral revolution aimed at changing people’s view of homosexuality.”

    This candlelight vigil is yet one more attempt at changing people’s views of the LGBT community. While I’ll agree that people can support whatever “cause” they find important, I disagree that the majority of Southern Utahn’s want (or “need”) a better awareness of the LGBT community.

    Will the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints EVER allow a same-sex couple to be sealed in one of their temples?

    Will the majority of parents in Washington County think: “Well- It’s about TIME”, when a same-sex couple attends one of their children’s high school prom?

    Will the teachers of grades K-12 one day be forced to teach LGBT Awareness and Acceptance, as part of their curriculum?

    People are bullied, beaten and/or killed every day, for a multitude of reasons. Doesn’t matter what race, ethnicity, religion or gender preference an individual is, as violence knows no boundaries.

    I believe that some people define themselves through controversy. There is this overwhelming compulsion to find something to complain about, despite all there is to be thankful for.

    The Cliven Bundy / BLM standoff, ATV’s in Recapture Canyon, or even Dancing without a permit – people just simply cannot get through an entire month, without whining about SOMEthing.

    You want to graze your cattle, ride your ATV, dance in the streets till dawn and marry the same sex, without government interference? Then BUY your own land and build your own businesses, schools and churches. You can have your very own Sodom or Gomorrah and declare your territory a “Sovereign Nation”.

    But in the meantime, whilst you currently live in an area that is over 99 percent HE-TER-O-SEXUAL, please keep your opinions, concerns and lifestyles, down to a absolute bare minimum.

    • Zonkerb November 19, 2014 at 10:37 pm

      I’m complaining about your comment what a joke what a waste of time what a waste of space what a waste of computer time Yawwwwwwn you need to get out of your basement and get a hobby LOL. The only thing your comment was missing was the Looney Tunes cartoon music

    • Dana November 20, 2014 at 6:52 am

      You talk a lot without saying anything.

    • Koolaid November 20, 2014 at 1:19 pm

      Did you drink a double dose of koolaid this morning?

  • GaeH8R November 19, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    That’s so gay!!!

  • PROTECT THE SHEEP November 20, 2014 at 12:28 am

    it is pretty gay

  • Koolaid November 20, 2014 at 8:02 am

    I tire of the commotion and rallies for the gay community in St George. I have to ask how do they support others with their pursuits. However, I am tired of hearing mormons play their persecution card, claiming anti-discrimination ordinances discriminate against them. However, I feel compelled to support the gay community, because if I don’t, it will be a matter of time before the mormon religious community discriminates against me once again for having done nothing wrong other than not joining their ranks or allowing their religion to control my life.

    • mtrxgrl November 20, 2014 at 9:19 am

      Mormons are not told to hate gays, in fact many of us support it. Its Utah Mormons go to the extreme about this stuff. Your comments are always so dumb and you just like to blurt out bulls…* about everything, without even knowing facts. For everyone’s sake, just shut up.
      *Ed. ellipses

      • Koolaid November 20, 2014 at 10:11 am

        There is nothing fictitious about their discriminatory behaviors and practices. Laws are needed to protect others from the religious persecution of these church people.

      • tight magic undies November 20, 2014 at 10:14 am

        Mormons are not told to hate gays, wink wink

        • mtrxgrl November 20, 2014 at 3:03 pm

          im Mormon and I don’t hate gays. We are not told to hate them. We are told to love thy neighbor. Mormons who hate gays, or don’t drink caffeine, or any of the things you like to make so much fun of are just Utah Mormons. I grew up in cali and it was very very different in that area with our church. Utah Mormons like to put extra content into what we are told and it is wrong.

  • dancing infidel November 20, 2014 at 9:43 am

    AARP holds Senior Driver Awareness Candlelight Vigil in remembrance of all the non-senior drivers killed by erratic senior drivers. There will be a bonfire after the vigil for burning senior drivers licenses as a symbol of memorializing those who have lost their lives to senior drivers.

    • Crackmeup November 20, 2014 at 12:09 pm

      That is some funny shiz right there!

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