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Gallery: Students rally on Quad for transgender rights

Amery Sanders, an SU masters student and Eli Blodgett, a sophomore stage management major, speak to the crowd about their anger and frustration about the Trump administration's policies. Hieu Nguyen | The Daily Orange

SU's chapter of the International Socialist Organization organized the rally to support transgender rights and speak out against a plan to erase federal recognition of transgender identity. Hieu Nguyen | The Daily Orange

Students, faculty and staff members gather at the steps of Hendricks Chapel for more than an hour as part of the "Speak Out for Trans Life" rally. Hieu Nguyen | The Daily Orange

The New York Times reported on Oct. 21 that a memo being circulated in the Department of Health and Human Services would define gender as "biological and unchangeable." Doug Steinman | The Daily Orange

Rowan McGrath, a senior SUNY-ESF student, said they dressed as Dionysus for Halloween because the Greek god of wine and ecstasy was transgender. Doug Steinman | The Daily Orange

Many speakers at the rally called on cisgender people to stand up for trans rights, even if that means confronting their friends and family. Doug Steinman | The Daily Orange

Rowan McGrath, a senior SUNY-ESF student, said gender non-conforming people have existed throughout history, well before laws were created to oppress them. Doug Steinman | The Daily Orange

Students hold signs at the rally: (from Mason Miessau-Valcore (sign language interpreter), Rylee (first-year SUNY-ESF), Quincy Nolan (senior communication and rhetorical studies major at SU), Lenny (first year SUNY-ESF) and Rose (first-year SUNY-ESF) Doug Steinman | The Daily Orange