I was thrilled to discover the Daily Forty-Niner had devoted an extensive article to the Transgender Day of Remembrance events sponsored by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center at Cal State Long Beach in the Nov. 20 issue of the Daily Forty-Niner. Because this is the first time Transgender Day of Remembrance events have been observed on this campus, it was really important for us to raise awareness of gender identity and gender expression issues.
Contributing writer Stephanie Ellison’s well-researched and sensitively written article about our event provided a wonderful opportunity for the campus community to learn more about transgender and genderqueer civil rights issues. She clearly explained complex terms and issues that are often unfamiliar to the general population. She provided historical context and cited current laws regarding transgender rights on a national level. In addition, she was careful to include quotations from a range of students and faculty members regarding these issues.
Perhaps most importantly, Ellison took it upon herself to become well informed about transgender issues and Transgender Day of Remembrance prior to writing the article. In the course of our interactions, she seemed to take the assignment very seriously and attended every component of this event.
From observing her at our candlelight vigil, she was able to connect with the emotional tone of the vigil while still remaining objective in her reporting.
In sum, I have been very impressed with Ellison and other Daily Forty-Niner writers with whom I have interacted this semester. I very much appreciate the Daily Forty-Niner covering the full range of diversity issues at Cal State Long Beach.
Kirstyn Yuk Sim Chun, LGBTRC faculty co-adviser and staff psychologist
