Transgender Day of Visibility events

by Caitlyn Strohmeyer, TransFamily of NWPA

Each year on March 31st, the transgender community and our allies celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Unlike the Day of Remembrance in November, which focuses on mourning those we've lost, TDoV focuses on bringing attention to the incredible accomplishments we have made in fighting transphobia and cissexism around the world. Given the current political climate and all of the efforts made by our current administration to roll back many of the protections we have gained, celebrating our community through visibility is no small feat. In fact, it is revolutionary!

TDoV was founded by Rachel Crandell, the head of Transgender Michigan, when she asked, "why can't we have a day that celebrates who we are?" Rachel's vision for the Trans Day of Visibility is to focus on all the good things in the trans community, instead of just remembering those who were lost. "The day of remembrance is exactly what it is. It remembers people who died," she said. "This focuses on the living."

This year, TransFamily of NWPA is very excited to invite you to join us in celebrating our visibility through a series of unique events we have planned around TDoV. Keep an eye out for more information on these events by liking our Facebook page at Transfamily of NWPA and through Erie Gay News events calendar.

• On Sunday 3/25 and Monday 3/26, representatives from TransFamily will be getting visible at the Community booth in the JC Penney concourse of the Millcreek Mall to share information about the community. We did this for just one day last year and it was such a tremendous success, we decided to repeat it this year and expand it to two days! Stop by to learn more about the trans community and TransFamily of NWPA!!
• During the week leading up to TDoV, TransFamily of NWPA will be partnering with the Blasco Library to present a book display focusing on books that celebrate transgender and gender non-conforming people and educate the larger community about who we are. This is a great opportunity to read some very positive and uplifting literature, and maybe learn something along the way! Representatives from TransFamily will also be on hand during certain days and times to share knowledge and information about TransFamily. The book display includes memoirs, educational guides, and fiction for adults and youth. Stop by!
• On Tuesday, 3/27, TransFamily presents a discussion to educate about the transgender experience at 7 PM at Blasco Public Library, 140 E Front St, Erie PA. Tyler Titus shares his personal journey. All are welcome to attend and learn some terminology that can help gain understanding of gender identities.
• Thursday March 29 - TransFamily is hosting Naiymah Sanchez, Trans Education and Advocacy Coordinator for ACLU-PA, for a Know Your Rights event to discuss discrimination in public accommodations for people who identify as trans/non-binary. The event will be held at Highmark's Caring Place Community Room from 6p-9pm at 510 Cranberry St, Erie, PA 16507.
• TransFamily of NWPA is very excited to announce that we are partnering with the folks at Ember+Forge coffee shop at 401 State Street to bring together the art and coffee lovers of Erie for a display that showcases the power of transgender people of color through gorgeous art. TransFamily of NWPA is so honored that this will be the very first of many displays that E+F will present for the Erie community to enjoy. Stop by to enjoy not just the art on display, but the amazing beverages and edible goodies that E+F creates each day.

Other Day of Visibility events

Mar 27 (Tue) - Trans Day Of Visibility Panel (Franklin G Pogue Student Center Rm 303B, 405 Scotland Road, Edinboro, PA) 7 PM - 9 PM. Sponsored by Identity. Trans Day of Visibility is Saturday, March 31st.+++ This is a panel presentation about trans and gender non-conforming individuals in honor of Trans Day of Visibility: (814) 732-2813. (814) 732-2842. www.edinboro.edu/departments/glbta/.

Mar 31 (Sat) - Full Spectrum Transgender Day of Visibility Film Screening: "Trans List" (St. John's Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH) 3-5 PM. Open discussion follows. (330) 333-1658. www.fullspectrumcommunityoutreach.org