Queer Coalition, a faculty, staff, and graduate student affinity group of Illinois State University, will celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility on Thursday, March 31, with a sashay through Uptown Normal. The group will begin gathering at 4:30 p.m. at the Old Main Bell on ISU’s Quad, and depart at 4:45 p.m. From there, the group will walk along West North Street to Uptown Circle. This event will culminate in a rally and poetry reading in support of trans youth. Following the rally, participants may adjourn to The Coffeehouse nearby for snacks, mutual support, and community building.
Participants are encouraged to express their creativity and individuality with highly visible and colorful clothing. All are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is appreciated for planning purposes, but not required. Those who wish to register may do so here.
Transgender Day of Visibility has been celebrated since 2009 in order to highlight the accomplishments and survivance of transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people around the world as well as to draw attention to the transphobia and discrimination faced by this minoritized group and especially the disproportional violence perpetrated against trans women of color. On Transgender Day of Visibility last year President Joe Biden issued a proclamation from the White House, stating that “Vice President Harris and I affirm that transgender Americans make our nation more prosperous, vibrant, and strong. I urge my fellow Americans to join us in uplifting the worth and dignity of every transgender person.”
