Vanderbilt University will observe Transgender Day of Remembrance with a special ceremony at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. The event will be held in Ballroom A of the Student Life Center.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is held nationally in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder in 1998 launched the "Remembering Our Dead" Web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil the following year.

Past events have included a student musical performance, a personal testimonial speaker, reading of names and stories, and a candle lighting. More information will be made available in the coming days at the Office of LGBTQI Life website.

The Office of LGBTQI Life at Vanderbilt provides support and is a place of affirmation for individuals of all identities as well as a resource for information about gender and sexuality. The office serves all members of the Vanderbilt community – students, faculty, staff and alumni – by creating educational, cultural and social opportunities. The office also supports and advises LGBTQI-related campus groups and activities.

For more information on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, visit www.transgenderdor.org.