Transgender Day of Resistance, a workshop focused on educating and highlighting the major success stories in the transgender community, went on from 4 pm to about 5:30 pm in the student union building at Rio Hondo College, Wednesday, November 6. 

The first part featured a lecture alongside pamphlets that were held out that were both about a brief history about Transgender-ism in the US. The second part saw a Q&A session where anyone that participated were allowed to ask Bri Sérráno, CPP Pride Coordinator, any questions regarding the topic. Food was also available after the Q&A session was finished for those that were  hungry. The workshop was co-opted by Serrano and ASRHC (Associated Students of Rio Hondo College) according to Lupita Hernandez Center Chair for cultural diversity here at Rio. 

Goals Of The Program

Sérráno who has been doing this type of talks now for five years now, stated their goals for this workshop. “For me this workshop is meant for people to understand the history of trans people here in the U.S and what they have contributed to our society as well as having a better understanding of what it means to be Trans. And how to take action moving forward to support the community.”

Larry Esquigel, another participant, stated that he came to the workshop mainly because he was curious because he knew so little on the subject. “I thought it was a great workshop especially if you don’t know a lot or anything on the subject you know? I would recommend it to anyone honestly.”

“It was very good information. I enjoyed it a lot. It made me want to look into more,” said Brissa Hernandez, a participant of the workshop.

Lupita Hernandez thought overall this event was a success. “Overall the turnout was really good for a small event. I did not expect this many people to come.”

When asked if she thinks these workshops help elevate the bigotry that the trans or LGBTQIA community face, Sérráno stated that:

“I think it helps. The way I approach education is by planting a seed. I am hoping that grows into something at some point. If it turns into something and so if somebody takes away the idea of humanizing somebody that is trans or queer and in essence will combat somebody saying something trans phobic, or saying something homophobic right, or maybe having a conversation about what they saw today and changing someone’s mind in the slightest to have them listen to a different perspective and hopefully that creates a ripple effect and that leads to less discrimination for people like me.”

 Lupita Hernandez and Sérráno hope to make this an annual event here at Rio.

On Thursday, November 14, the LGBTQIA College Fair & Selena Event will be out in the Lower Quad on campus for those interested in participating, from 10 am to 1 pm.