From the day we are born, each of us has our own unique characteristics. As we grow and mature, that uniqueness is expressed in the way we walk, communicate with each other, the manner of clothes we like to wear and even the foods we like to eat. No time is this more evident than in a household where there are several siblings. How many times have you heard a parent say, “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” or “Why can’t you be more like your sister?” And the response usually is “Because I am not them. I am me.”
Some of us have siblings or other family members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and do not like to see any hatred or violence directed toward them. It is important that we start promoting a culture of inclusion from within our own diverse family. This will lead to a greater impact on the community in which we live. Embracing people who are different from you is the first step, but we should also share the same love we have for a sibling with folks different from us because they too have a family who cares about them.
June is Pride Month, when LGBTQ+ persons are celebrated and their challenges are recognized and acknowledged. Violence against LGBTQ+ persons is well documented. According to research published by TGEU (Transgender Europe), 53 transgender and gender-diverse people were murdered in the United States in 2021, a significant increase from the previous year.
Let’s put a personal face to this statistic.
On May 30, Ahsid Hemingway-Powell, a 2020 HVCC graduate, was found dead in her apartment by Albany Police; her death has been ruled suspicious and likely due to foul play. Her family is pleading for help in solving her murder, and a reward has been offered for any information leading to resolution of this crime. Her story was featured in the Times Union on Saturday, and local television news channels have also provided coverage. Ms. Hemingway-Powell, a transgender woman, recently graduated from the University at Albany with plans to relocate to the West Coast and pursue a medical career.
As a student here at the college, Ahsid was well known in the Marvin Library Learning Commons. She was in the Dwight Marvin Library and Learning Assistance Center almost daily, including Saturdays. Library Program Assistant Lisa Poli remembers talking with Ahsid when she borrowed textbooks, always with a big smile. She described Ahsid as kind and excited about her future. Learning Centers Program Assistant Tasha Taylor recalled, “She would walk in the LAC with this smile that would LIGHT up the whole center. She’d stop by my desk and say ‘Ms. Tasha, I need some of your good smelling lotion.’ ” Library Director Brenda Hazard noted, “I admired Ahsid’s poise and self-confidence. She was a courageous person and she led with a smile.”
Ahsid was someone’s daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and notably a former Viking, who wanted to be loved, valued and respected. Rest in peace Ahsid!
In service,
Ainsley Thomas, Chief Diversity Officer
Brenda Hazard, Library Director
Published: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:00:26 +0000 by a.thomas1