Vigil Held for Violence Victims 

By Andy Chandler

For The Paper

A vigil hosted by Crawfordsville Pride was held recently at Pike Place in Crawfordsville to commemorate the known and unknown victims of violence against transgender and gender-diverse individuals over the past year. Despite less-than-ideal temperatures, more than 20 people came to hear the reading of the names of victims and to celebrate their lives.  

This vigil punctuated Transgender Awareness Week, which is observed Nov. 13-19. According to a Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation press release, ”Transgender Day of Remembrance  was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998.” 

The Rev. Jason Fortner, of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Crawfordsville spoke of the need for affirming dignity. “Those of us who recognize the inherent dignity of all humans must work to create a world that is not systemically rigged against trans people. Our trans siblings live under constant pressure to not be themselves, and that is not the life anyone deserves.” 

Navy veteran and Crawfordsville native Chris Webb spoke about the fear that many in the community have, given the current political and social climate, and exhorted those in attendance to stand up for those who experience fear.  

The event was punctuated by the reading of the names of those who had been victims of violence based on being a part of the non-binary gender diverse community. A bell was rung and a moment of silence observed.  

Crawfordsville Pride board member and event organizer Courtney Houghton shared her thoughts about the event and future events. She said she wants increased awareness of not only the week and the vigil, but knowledge that violence based on gender is real and far too frequent. What is needed? “More awareness and more inclusion.”