An inspiring new song by Grammy-nominated artist Andra Day will serve as the anthem for this year’s Philly Trans* March.
The sixth-annual march begins at 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at Thomas Paine Plaza, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. This year’s theme is “We Rise Up,” adopted from Day’s hit “Rise Up,” which espouses the power of inner strength to overcome obstacles.
“That theme was meant to represent the resiliency of the transgender community, particularly here in Philadelphia,” said Nikki López, executive director of GALAEI, whose Trans-Health Information Project is organizing the event.
“A lot of times the trans community will organize or rally or hold vigils around a trauma or loss that deeply affects our community,” López noted, “usually in response to the epidemic of violence against transgender women of color. The organizers wanted to recognize that epidemic but also showcase and celebrate members of the community who are doing amazing work day to day and rising up, despite perils.”
TIP program coordinators Naiymah Sanchez and Aamina Morrison took the lead on organizing the march and convened a community-advisory board for support, López said, which has been meeting several times a month to plan.
Before the march through Center City, local trans youth Hazel Edwards will deliver the opening keynote.
“The Philadelphia Trans* March is important to me because you get to celebrate your identity with folks who understand and live in it with you,” Edwards said in a statement.
Local organizations will offer resources at the rally, and food and drinks will also be available.
Organizers are still looking for more food and water donations, as well as sound equipment. Attendees are also encouraged to donate clothing for those in need.
A record several-hundred supporters turned out last year, and López said she’s looking for the crowd to again expand this year.
“We want as many folks as possible to come out,” she said. “It’s not just for people with a trans identity or [gender nonconforming] people, it’s also open to allies for their support. We want it to be huge and for the community to see that Philadelphia’s transgender community is vibrant.”
This is López’s first Trans* March at the helm of GALAEI; she was hired in August to the post, which was open for several months after former executive director Elicia Gonzales left.
“GALAEI was under a huge transition phase and so Naiymah and Aamina organized all of this despite not having a leader. I’ve seen all the behind-the-scenes work they’ve been doing and I’m really excited and proud of them.”
For more information or to learn about volunteering for the Philly Trans* March, contact [email protected], [email protected] or 267-457-3912. Follow the event on social media with the hashtags #PTM16 and #TransLivesMatter.