Grand Valley State University’s student organization Out ‘N’ About sponsored a presentation Tuesday to “educate and build awareness” as part of Transgender Day of Remembrance, which occurs Nov. 20.

Kyle Watson, a 23-year-old from Minnesota, delivered the talk called “ Shifting Misconceptions of Transgender and Gender Variant People.” As an openly transgender and male-identified speaker, Watson said the presentation was to “honor those affected by transphobia and cissexism,” or the belief that transgender people are inferior to others.

“Trans people aren’t less of a person,” Watson said. “We’re all people here.”

Watson said many terms regarding gender can often be misleading, which is why the presentation included definitions and highlighted the difference between sex and gender: sex being a person’s DNA and body structure, and gender being cultural and social preferences.

He explained that many cultures, such as the Native American “two-spirit community,” have a third gender option, while America sees gender in two categories: man or woman, boy or girl.

“(There are) different opportunities presented to different people depending on your gender,” Watson said, meaning there are options in between the two a doctor gives a baby at birth. “There is not one way to do it. It is simply a way of being. It’s not anything we can change.”

Watson said these variations fall under the umbrella term “transgender,” and Trans, which is also used as a “more inclusive term within our community.”

Watson said the international Transgender Day of Remembrance started in the 1990s to remember Rita Hester, who was murdered for identifying as transgender. Since then, many more people have been killed for being transgender, but Watson said it is hard to know who has been victimized, because there is no population count for people who identify as transgender.

“It shows a real fear and hatred,” he said. “We have this day of remembrance because things like this are happening, and they’re happening today.”

In addition, Watson talked about the common myths that surround transgender people. He emphasized that not everyone wants to change their body through hormones or surgery. He also said transgender people are not just “transitioning to becoming straight,” and they are not confused about their gender identity.

He also mentioned that insurance often will not cover surgery because it is seen as a cosmetic need rather than a medical one, but it is a mental health necessity because “how you feel about yourself is the most important thing.”

Watson listed many ways to support and become allies for transgender people, including changing derogatory or disrespectful language to more inclusive language. Instead of using slurs or gender-biased statements, Watson said people should use gender-neutral language and discourage others from using gendered terms incorrectly.

“Genderless everything would be awesome, but we’re a ways from that, unfortunately,” Watson said.

Out ‘N’ About will host a candlelight vigil at the Cook Carillon Clock Tower at 8 p.m. on Nov. 20 for Transgender Remembrance Day.