Friends of Gigi Gopalan, who was killed two weeks ago, are holding a candlelight vigil this evening (Sunday) from 7-10pm. People will be gathering at Dupont Circle at 7, and will then be walking to 11th & Fairmont NW, where Gigi was found. Please spread the word, and come out and show your support. Details are available on facebook here. [Note: Gigi is still being referred to as Gaurav Gopalan in most accounts. However, in a letter written to friends shortly before her death, Gigi clearly articulated that she was trans and intended to begin transition. Therefore, we have updated this to reflect her chosen identity.]
This week
Monday, September 28
Mandy Van Deven, coauthor of “Hey, Shorty!: A Guide to Combating Sexual Harassment and Violence in Schools and on the Streets,” will facilitate a discussion about the community organizing work led by teen women of color at Girls for Gender Equity to end gender-based violence in public space. The conversation will use the book as a jumping off point to speak about street harassment, sexual harassment in schools, and strategies to increase the safety of girls, women, and LGBTQ folks. This event will also feature street harassment expert Holly Kearl, members of the DC Trans Coalition, SMYAL, Holla Back DC, and HIPS. 6:30pm at Busboys and Poets on 14th and V Sts NW.
Mandy Van Deven, coauthor of “Hey, Shorty!: A Guide to Combating Sexual Harassment and Violence in Schools and on the Streets,” will facilitate a discussion about the community organizing work led by teen women of color at Girls for Gender Equity to end gender-based violence in public space. The conversation will use the book as a jumping off point to speak about street harassment, sexual harassment in schools, and strategies to increase the safety of girls, women, and LGBTQ folks. This event will also feature street harassment expert Holly Kearl, members of the DC Trans Coalition, SMYAL, Holla Back DC, and HIPS. 6:30pm at Busboys and Poets on 14th and V Sts NW.
Tuesday, September 27
Come to our Needs Assessment meeting at 7:30pm! This week is super-important, as we’ll be discussing the draft survey for the next phase of our research. We’ll also be skyping in with some of our awesome research helpers from the Williams Institute in LA. Call us at 202.681.3282 or email us for location details.
Wednesday, September 28
The Mayor’s Office of GLBT Affairs is hosting a Public Safety Open House with members of the Metropolitan Police Department and Fire & Emergency Medical Services at 6:30pm in the community room at the Reeves Center, 14th & U Streets NW. Make your voice heard!
Thursday, September 29
We’ll be participating in a discussion on recent hate violence in DC following the 8pm performance of STOP KISS, a play by Diana Son, produced by No Rules Theatre Company at the H Street Playhouse (1365 H Street NE). More on the play can be found from Metro Weekly here, and you can purchase tickets online here. Use code LGBTQ10 to get $10 off.
Looking ahead
Be sure to come to our October meetings, October 4 and 18. Also, stay tuned for details about an upcoming town hall meeting, a DC Council hearing on hate crimes, a trans day of action, and the annual trans day of remembrance.
DC Trans Coalition 