Hundreds will gather to support and raise awareness for transgender issues at the fourth-annual Philly Trans* March.
The event starts at Love Park at 3 p.m. Oct. 11, with a keynote speaker presentation and awards ceremony. The march commences at approximately 4 p.m.
Andrew Spiers, co-coordinator for GALAEI’s Trans-Health Information Project (TIP), spoke of the march’s origins.
“The march was created upon the death of Stacey Blahnik, a Philadelphia trans-woman of color who was murdered in 2010, and whose killer remains unidentified,” Spears said.
The march this year coincides with the fourth anniversary of Blahnik’s murder.
The event seeks to spotlight many of the issues the trans community faces, such as inequality, hate and social injustice. It will also recognize all the community has achieved this past year.
“It is important that our community not only be aware of such issues, but that they feel compelled to act, and to show that we won’t stand for such injustices in our city,” Spiers said.
Naiymah Sanchez, co-coordinator of TIP and march organizer, added that “the purpose of this year’s march is to draw attention to the many accomplishments and challenges that trans youth face in their day-to-day struggles against discrimination, homelessness, bullying, body-image issues and other injustices.”
Trans-sensitive and trans-affirming services and resources, as well as trans-identified individuals for peer support, will also be available to attendees.
The march will start at Love Park, move to the southeast corner of City Hall and loop through the Gayborhood before finishing back at the park.