Transgender activist CeCe McDonald to speak at the University of Chicago this month
Transgender activist CeCe McDonald will address racism, transphobia and incarceration faced by transgender women of color during a keynote speech at the University of Chicago on Wednesday Oct. 15.
The program is hosted by the Office of LGBTQ Student Life and the Institute of Politics. It is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, the Spiritual Life Office, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, and the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality.
CeCe McDonald was a political prisoner incarcerated for defending herself against a racist, transphobic assault in July, 2010. Due to her willingness to fight, supporters and activists in Minneapolis and across the U.S. built up a solidarity campaign to demand her freedom, and were able to win her a reduced sentence. After serving a 17-month term, she was released in January 2014.
Upon her release, CeCe quickly became a leader in the movements for LGBTQ liberation, prison abolition and racial justice. She is currently working on the “Free CeCe” documentary with fellow trans actress and activist LaVerne Cox.
This event, which will take place at The Bond Chapel 1050 E. 59th Street on The University of Chicago campus, is free and open to the public.
