A diverse group of affirming religious communities spanning the faith spectrum are joining together for Madison’s second annual recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, held this year at Temple Beth El. The planners of this event feel the need to recognize the ongoing harm faced by the transgender community, especially by Black transgender women. Rabbi Jonathan Biatch of Temple Beth El says, “our goal is to elevate, to raise up” toward “the intention and the action of the Creator.” He adds, “acts of memory evoke love, acts of memory evoke action.” Cantor Jacob Niemi adds that “it’s important to hold space” not only for those “who are still with us but those whose voices are no longer present, for them to be seen in their fullness.”
The event will be held Sunday, November 20 at Temple Beth El, 2702 Arbor Dr, Madison, WI, and will center transgender people and transgender faith leaders and musicians, as well as allies. Vica-Etta Steel, vicar at St John’s in Madison, says, “I am a Queer woman, transgender. I have felt the way words of faith have been twisted into weapons and held at the hearts of we who are trans, but I also see how so many faiths are doing the work to return to their transgender siblings, parents, and children. In this service, we acknowledge the pain and strive toward healing.”
This event is open to the public. We invite you to join us on Sunday, November 20, beginning with fellowship and Queer Community organizations at 6:00 pm with the service starting at 7:00 pm. You can also join us via livestream at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWBgayaL6d-Wb3lDPPCy7g.
Co-sponsored by:
- Briarpatch Youth Services (Teens Like Us Program)
- Circle Sanctuary
- Congregation Shaarei Shamayim
- Covenant Presbyterian Church
- First Baptist Church of Madison
- Holy Wisdom Monastery
- Lake Edge UCC
- League of Women Voters of Dane County
- Memorial United Church of Christ
- Middleton Community Church UCC
- Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
- Pres House (Queerly Beloved; FACETS)
- PHA
- St. John’s Lutheran Church
- St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
- Temple Beth El
- Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice