An estimated 175 people crowded into the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted Nov. 20 to pay tribute to transgender victims of hate violence and to remember local transgender activist Lois Bates, who died unexpectedly three days prior.
Bates, who was Howard Brown Health Center's ( HBHC's ) transgender health manager, emceed the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance ( TDOR ) activities in past years but passed away Nov. 17 after suffering liver failure.
Mourners gathered at the Center on Halsted event this year to honor her.
Local groups that work with transgender people tabled at the event, handing out information on their activists. A new local group called TranSpirit held a candlelight vigil outside the center before the event.
As in past years, the evening started with a somber tribute to transgender victims of hate violence this year. At least 23 transgender people are estimated to have died as a result of hate-based violence internationally this year, but experts believe that many more went unreported.
A video, which is shown at TDOR events around the world, listed known victims. None on that list this year were from Chicago.
Overwhelmingly, however, attention was paid to Lois Bates, a longtime transgender activist best known for her work with the city's most marginalized. Her memorial also began with a slideshow video.
Several youths spoke about how Bates was a mother figure to them who aided them through their first steps transitioning.
"She was actually the first person I called when I was going through my transition," said one young person.
"She didn't brag about herself," remembered another young person. "She made me want to be the person she believed I could be."
Others sang songs to honor Bates.
Lara Brooks, manager at the Broadway Youth Center, recalled "the way she would chop you if you needed to be chopped."
Joe Hollendoner, chief program officer at HBHC, remembered her humor. "She brought joy into my heart. She brought joy into Howard Brown. She brought joy into the community," he said.
Bates' mother, Dolores Bates, was present for the memorial. Several people thanked her for bringing Lois into the world and supporting her transgender child in her transition and life's work.
Longtime friends of Lois, including people she attended high school with, remembered her selflessness and wisdom.
Her pastor, Phyllis V. Pennese, said that Bates was faithful to her God and never missed Sunday services, even when she was ailing.
"There has never been a day or a moment that I have not been proud to be Lois Bates' pastor," said Pennese.
View a video interview with Bates at http://www.chicagogayhistory.com/biography.html?id=838
