Last year during the last week of March, the city of Grand Rapids was suddenly bathed in more than 100 flags celebrating the International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), which happens each March 31.
One bold moment that stood out to me of our community’s evolving acceptance via these flags that were flown from small businesses to corporations, was the first ever community celebration of our area’s trans community at the popular eatery, the SpeakEZ Lounge.
Over the course of the event, one by one members of our trans community would step up to the microphone to share a personal narrative with the packed standing room only crowd that gathered to laugh, cry, but, most of all, support one another through the time honored gesture of being real.
This year the celebration of TDOV: Trans Art Showcase and Stories of Truth, Power & Positivity event moves to the spacious University Club in downtown Grand Rapids.
Not only will you have a chance to meet some of the artists of our city whose work will be on display this TDOV, you will also be treated to an afternoon of inspiring stories from our transgender community.
The event also allows folks a chance to learn in this comfortable and visually rich setting about the positive work happening in the community. This year’s special guest speaker is Rachel Crandall-Crocker, Executive Director of Transgender Michigan and founder of TDOV!
And while this is a family inclusive event, please note that due to the theme and emotions that may be in play at times during the story-telling portion of the event, use your discretion when inviting children.
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TDOV bonus event:
On Friday, March 30, at 3 and 6 p.m., there will be free showings of the documentary "
Real Boy: A Son's Transition. A Mom's Transformation” at Celebration Cinema North with a special reception with stars Bennett Wallace and his mentor Joe Stevens immediately after each showing at the Wave Room.
The story follows 19-year-old Bennett Wallace as he navigates sobriety, adolescence, and the evolution of his gender identity. In addition, the doc illustrates how his mother also makes her own transformation from resistance to acceptance of her trans son. Along the way, both mother and son find support in their communities, reminding us that families are not only given, but chosen.
This is a free event from Spectrum Health, in collaboration with Healthy Pride, LGBTQ Employee Resource Group, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.