On Nov. 20, Life is Work held Remember, Resist, Re-Imagine: From the Westside with Love, an event in observance of Transgender Day of Awareness.
The event, which took place at 600 N. Cicero Ave. at the Life is Work offices, included a spoken word performance by trans artist, poet and musician Monroe Diamond; an awards presentation; a panel discussion; and a period of silence for transgender individuals whose lives were taken in the last year. Christian Spaulding served as emcee.
Awardees for the evening included Max Goodlet, receiving the Lois Bates Award; Sherri Payne, who received the Chilli Pepper Award; Ebonii Warren-Watts, who received the Mama Gloria Award; and Terra Campbell who received the Miss Major Award. Daniel Roller also received the LIW Award, while Iggy Ladden received the Pauli Murray Award. Spaulding accepted Sherri Payne’s award in her absence, along with Silas Leslie who accepted for Iggy Ladden.
This year’s Day of Remembrance event was focused on the future as well as the past, with the panel discussion facilitated by Life is Work CEO Zahara Bassett and activist Jae Rice. Panelists included Max Goodlet, Life is Work housing case manager; Aaliyah Mason of Task Force Prevention Services; Davon Anderson, a Life is Work board member; Caprice Catherans; Life is Work board chair); Christian Spaulding, Life is Work housing manager; Roller, a Life is Work volunteer; and Leslie, who is with Chicago Therapy Collective.
Life is Work is a trans led community service organization which focuses on empowering, educating, and organizing TLGBQ+ individuals from diverse backgrounds toward wellness, secure safety, and justice for all. Life is Work is centered on dignity, equity, safety, healing and justice.
Upcoming Life is Work events include the World AIDS Day Brunch with Howard Brown on Dec. 7 at 436 E. 47th St.; the Pride Ball with Fashion Bar, on Dec. 13 at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave.; and Meals for Christmas on Dec. 22 at 600 N. Cicero Ave.
