Community Spotlight #3: TransFamily of NW PA

TransFamily of NW PA was founded in 2012 by Caitlyn Strohmeyer as a support group for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in Erie and the surrounding area. Group meetings are held every fourth Saturday at the Crime Victim Center, 125 W 18th St Erie, PA, from 2 - 5 pm.

Throughout the year, TransFamily hosts additional events putting a spotlight on transgender struggles throughout the world. On Friday, March 31, at 6 pm, they will gather in Perry's Square in Erie for Transgender Day of Visibility. This is a time dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender-nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve transgender justice.

On November 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance is held to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Begun back in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorates all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester's death.

In addition to these events, TransFamily of NW PA has two local traditions. The first is the annual Trans picnic. This year the picnic will be held on Saturday, August 19, on Presque Isle. They will also have their annual Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, November 25, at the Crime Victim Center.

If you want to help volunteer or join the TransFamily of NW PA board, email them at transfamilynwpabod@gmail.com. For more information on their events or to learn more, you can visit their website at https://transfamilynwpa.org/ or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TransFamilyOfNWPA.

5th Annual TransFamily's Picnic on August 20,2022 at Glenwood Park picnic area.