Citizens march for transgender rights

News – The Branding Iron Online A march for transgender rights started in UWs simpson plaza on Sunday. The march moved down Grand Ave. to 3rd St. and circled back to the unversity. (Photo by Thomas Garvie)
UW students and Laramie citizens marched for transgendered rights on Sunday covering UW’s campus and the downtown Laramie area.
The March began in UW’s Simpson Plaza where two speeches were given prior to the march.
“People forget our real concerns all the time, that our recourses can be limited, that our support networks can be small, that we are already so tired from defending our very existence,” Jude Hair said.
Hair said the transgender community has been asked to be more active than ever and to foster empathy by speaking with people who hate them. Hair responded to this request.
“No, I will not be asked to foster empathy in others, I am not a Jesus come to save bigots from their sins,” Hair said.
Hair concluded the speech with a message to the transgender community.
“Everyone here has survived, all those bad days and all those things you’ve read and all those things that people have said to you,” Hair said. “You are valid, you are cared for and I am genuinely rooting for you”
Jason Manning delivered the second speech discussing a trans person’s struggle with identity.
“We need acceptance from family, we need a social transition, we also need a mental transition of ourselves,” Manning said. “To get people aware is the best thing ever.”
After Manning’s speech, those gathered for the event began the march. The participants left Simpson Plaza walking south to Grand Avenue. The march carried down Grand to Third Street and back up to campus.
Upon returning to the plaza, the participants heard one final speech.
“Last month the Trump administration decided to turn its back on ...


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