Catholic university dials back trans support after being called out by conservatives - LGBTQ Nation

"Anti-trans right-wing groups called out Benedictine University (BenU), a Catholic college in Illinois, for hosting a Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) event in November. While the university initially doubled down on why TDOR fit with their Catholic values, after Fox News recently picked up the story, the university apparently removed pages from its website claiming to offer safe spaces for diverse communities."

""At Benedictine University, we believe that honoring the dignity of every person and praying for those who have died are fundamental expressions of our Catholic and Benedictine identity," the university said in its initial statement on November 20. "The recent event was first and foremost a prayer service to honor lives lost. It was a solemn remembrance rooted in Catholic social teaching and belief in the inherent and sacred dignity possessed by every person, created in the image of God.""

"TDOR, which occurs annually on November 20, specifically remembers trans people who lost their lives due to anti-trans violence. The university's response aligns with various "love your neighbor" elements of Christian doctrine. The day before TDOR, the Libs of TikTok account on X, an anti-LGBTQ+ hate account run by Chaya Raichik, posted the event's flier. The event was hosted by the Benedictine University Campus Ministry and its Safe Space program."

Benedictine University held a Trans Day of Remembrance prayer service on November 20 to honor trans people killed by anti-trans violence and to pray for those who have died. The university framed the event as consistent with Catholic and Benedictine identity, emphasizing dignity and prayer as expressions of Catholic social teaching. After an anti-LGBTQ+ account posted the event flier and right-wing groups amplified the story on Fox News, the university removed web pages that had claimed to offer safe spaces for diverse communities. The event was organized by the Campus Ministry and the university's Safe Space program.

Read at LGBTQ Nation