Local LGBTQ+ advocacy group hosts summit for Transgender Awareness Week [Video]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Members of the transgender community in the Mid-South joined together to share stories and spread awareness of rights issues they may face in the near future.

OUTMemphis is hosting a series of events to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week (Nov 13-19). Monday, they held the Transgender Empowerment Summit at Crosstown Concourse.

The event highlighted stories from local trans and gender non-conforming individuals with the goal of raising awareness about the unique challenges and experiences their community faces.

“A lot of violence happens to our community each and every day,” says Tavianna Rouse, a trans woman and mother of two. “People just seem to not get and understand… We all share this world together.”

Trans advocates at the event say they are fearful of the future, as elected officials in the state and federal level have expressed opposition to transgender rights.

“We have people who have such a problem …