Spencer Stringer, Zari Black and Petyr Cruikshanks are among several artists who will have work displayed at a Transgender Day of Remembrance event on Sunday, Nov. 20

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A week-long celebration begins Sunday, Nov. 13, marking the first day of Transgender Awareness Week. The week leads up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed on Sunday, Nov. 20.

In Springfield, several local LGBTQIA+ organizations are hosting a Transgender Day of Remembrance event on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 4-6 p.m. at The Old Glass Place, located at 521 E. Saint Louis St. The event will include an artist showcase, free clothing available for transgender folks and a candlelight procession to follow at Park Central Square.

Spencer Stringer, 21, hosted his first Transgender Day of Remembrance event in November 2020. He recalled writing out memorial statements for transgender individuals who had lost their lives due to violence or suicide, which he would display at the event. As he was working on the project, he became worried how this scene of sorrow would impact others.

"I (was like), 'Dang, this is the most depressing thing ever. How am I going to have these people, who are already at high risk of mental health issues, come into this room, read this stuff and this not be a detriment to their life?'" Stringer said. "I had the idea to surround the room with art from different trans artists, so while you are mourning these deaths ... you are still surrounded by the life that is present here, protecting you."

That year, five transgender artists displayed their work, and last year even more got involved. For the event on Sunday, Nov. 20, Stringer said he expects about 15 artists to participate.

Spencer Stringer

A Missouri State University student, Stringer studies film production and is involved in Ekklesia, a progressive campus ministry that is helping host the Transgender Day of Remembrance event.

Last weekend, Stringer wrapped production on his latest short film, "Mundane Superpowers." The comedy- drama follows a group of young, queer superheroes who are tasked with heisting a government building. But the twist is that all the superpowers are "kind of lame," Stringer said.

For example, the main character's superpower is the ability to break the fourth wall, so they frequently discuss the tropes of the film's genre and interact with the camera.

Stringer said he anticipates "Mundane Superpowers" to be completed in February 2023. Folks can follow the progress of "Mundane Superpowers" on Instagram and TikTok @mundane.superpowers.

"I came into (film) because I couldn't find myself anywhere, and there's a certain point where you're like, 'I'm not going to see myself unless I do it myself,'" Stringer said.

For the Transgender Day of Remembrance artist showcase, Stringer will have a few digital illustrations for sale, some of popular transgender celebrities. Whether it be through film or illustration, Stringer said he enjoys creating work that displays positivity.

"I'm really interested in telling stories that explore a lot of fantastical elements of joys, not ignoring the trauma of being queer, but ... really focusing on our power and on our relationships with each other," he said.

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Zari Black

Zari Black, 21, is the engagement coordinator for Melaqueer, an LGBTQIA+ organization at Missouri State for people of color. Melaqueer is another organization helping host the Transgender Day of Remembrance event.

Originally from Kentucky, Black moved to Springfield in 2016. She attended Ozarks Technical Community College for teaching and today substitute teaches for Springfield Public Schools.

Outside of work, Black enjoys painting and experimenting with alternative drag queen artistry. At least two of Black's paintings will be on display at the artist showcase. One features a gender nonconforming portrait and the other is of a glittery, pink envelope. This second painting is an ode to a time when Black and her friends would send letters and art to each other in the mail, a time she recalled fondly.

In addition to her involvement in the artist showcase, Black is hosting a fashion show for transgender students and community members during Transgender Awareness Week through Melaqueer.

The fashion show is Thursday, Nov. 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union, room 313.

Fashion show models will have the opportunity to peruse Missouri State's Transitions Closet for their looks, which they can style in any way they'd like. The Transitions Closet is a part of the university's Multicultural Resource Center. The closet is supplied by donations, providing clothing for those who are in the middle of transitioning.

Black said she hopes the fashion show gives transgender individuals the time and space to "work it," while presenting a strong message to others.

"Though trans people are strong, we're resilient and overcome a lot of things, it's still hard to be in a world that is so against you," Black said. "I don't think people understand sometimes the severity of transphobia in the world because it's swept under the rug and not talked about. People should not be dying because of who they are. They cannot change themselves. They didn't do anything wrong."

Those interested in participating in the fashion show could complete an online form at bit.ly/3UlqUm1. Both students and community members can participate.

Petyr Cruikshanks

A mixed-media surrealist, Petyr Cruikshanks, 26, will have a collection of paintings, digital illustrations, poetry and sculpture at the artist showcase. For Cruikshanks, each medium has a different purpose in his life.

Over the last seven years, Cruikshanks has made a living from character illustrations, specifically anthropomorphic animals. He said a love for character creation comes from his aspiration to become a merchandise and toy designer. One of the pieces Cruikshanks will have at the showcase is "The Fastest Thing on Three Legs," a small, sculpted dog that stands on three legs, sporting a baseball cap and tennis shoes.

Cruikshanks said over time, character design has become almost second nature to him. It's through painting and poetry that he feels the most connected to himself.

One of Cruikshanks' favorite paintings displays an abstract layering of different colors. Over the course of several hours, Cruikshanks laid layer after layer, which he described as representative of how he's worked through gender dysmorphia as an adult.

"Most of my canvas pieces tend to be more melancholy, an exploration of myself just because they take more time for me," he said. "When I really try to look at something that pushes and challenges me, that's when I tend be more introspective."

Cruikshanks encouraged those who may not be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community to attend the Transgender Day of Remembrance event, even if it's just for the art.

"I think modernly we are very disconnected from each other on a social and intimate level. When you show people your art, I think that is a gateway to them actually being able to see you," Cruikshanks said. "You don't have to know everything about me. You don't have to agree with everything I do. All I ask if that you respect me and see me as a human."

Submissions are still open for the artist showcase

Digital submissions for the artist showcase are due Sunday, Nov. 13. Digital submissions should be emailed to [email protected]. Stringer added that he will continue taking physical submissions up until the day of the event, but he encouraged folks to send him an email so he knows what to expect ahead of time.

All of the proceeds made from art pieces will go back to the artists, Stringer said.

Transitions Closet giveaway

Along with the artist showcase, free, gender-affirming clothing will be available for transgender folks at the event. Missouri State's Transitions Closet is supplying the clothing.

"The Transitions Closet has way too much stuff in it right now, because actually not enough people are utilizing the closet," Black said. "We are doing this (giveaway) to help outreach to people that don't go to MSU ... because the clothes are just sitting there."

While the Transitions Closet is well stocked with clothing, Black encouraged folks to donate hygiene items, such as toothpaste and deodorant. The Transitions Closet is located in the Multicultural Resource Center on the first floor of the Plaster Student Union at 1110 E. Madison St.

What are Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance?

Each year, Transgender Awareness Week is the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance. Before taking the time to remember the ones who have lost their lives, the community celebrates.

Transgender Day of Remembrance was established in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, to honor the memory of Rita Hester. Hester was a Black, transgender woman who was killed in 1998. She was only 35 years old.

Hester's murder has never been solved, which remains one of the underlying reasons why Transgender Day of Remembrance is so important to the community.

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