If you have been driving around the city these last few days, then you most certainly have encountered a white, pink, and blue striped flag. These flags located in area businesses, arts centers, and community spaces are in celebration of
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV).
And while we officially celebrate TDOV on March 31 each year, this year Grand Rapids has a host of events, including a special night of stories in a venue known for producing innovative, community-focussed programming.
On Thursday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m., North Monroe neighborhood’s SpeakEZ Lounge presents a night of original and heartfelt stories at its
Transgender Day of Visibility: Stories of Stealth, Activism, and Positivity event.
For this special night of programming, the following topics will be showcased:
Stories of Stealth: We live and thrive all around you. We are a part of your office, your bar, your organization, your community. Most of the time, you don’t even notice. We walk amongst you. Hear from our siblings who are living in stealth. Find out how they got there, and what has inspired them to come out and share their story.
Stories of Activism: In spite of adversity, members and allies of the community are doing amazing work to promote progress. Find out what’s happening in our neck of the woods and how you can get involved.
Stories of Positivity: The world is full of hatred, and the trans community is no stranger to this fact. However, living as your true authentic self is one of the most empowering feats, and is worth celebrating. Hear personal experiences on how coming out as trans has been a positive experience worthy of celebration.
Each year the world celebrates TDOV as a day communities can show their support for the trans community. It is their aim to showcase to the world the numerous accomplishments of trans people, but also expose the very real battles of cissexism and transphobia still being waged against this population.
And unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, this day is not for mourning but a day of celebration and empowerment.
SpeakEZ is an open and safe space for LGBTQ and allies.