2014 Capital Trans Pride (Photo by Josette Matoto)
On Saturday May 21 let your life be transformed by love, laughter and learning. A day completely devoted to the “T” in LGBTQ. Capital Trans Pride is taking over the Reeves Municipal Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The event is followed by a Happy Hour from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Studio Theatre.
Since its inception in 2008, the Capital Pride Alliance has been involved in the production of Capital Trans Pride. Sponsors for Capital Trans Pride include Whitman-Walker Health, Kaiser Permanente, The DC Office of Human Rights, La Clinica Del Pueblo-Empoderate Center, SMYAL, DC Center HIV Working Group, Nova Transyouth, and Booz Allen Hamilton.
The day is topped with a little something for everyone. The timetable for the workshops and presentations will help attendees plan accordingly. Do not miss out on the opportunity to network and learn from various vendors, agencies and organizations. The day is geared to fit the needs and interests of the community.
Upon entrance make your way to the transformation station. Go in looking like the average Joe on the street and come out in your inner sexy Josephina. Tops off to Trans Pride for providing a safe place to make your emergence as a butterfly no matter what your choice.
Then put on your thinking cap because the day is about educating the whole family. Traverse the resource fair. Over 25 organizations will be coming together to provide information on the services and support offered for the transgender community. Participants can speak and engage with these organizations for resources and involvement opportunities. Trans Pride founder, SaVanna Wanzer stresses that they “want Trans community to know all of their rights and that there is representation if they do face discrimination. They have the option of taking legal action.”
The morning sessions begins with genderqueer 101 panel discussion, PreP 101: your guide to HIV prevention, and health insurance coverage with Whitman-Walker Health. Then you can sit in on résumé testing for employment discrimination with the Department of Human Resources, or attend a storytelling workshop with the National Center for Transgender Equality. The ever-popular workshop headed by Whitman-Walker Health on legal name/gender change clinic is coming back for another year.
Break with a tasty lunch provided. Entertainment for the day includes performances by Blac Monroe, Roxy Saint Cartier and Frida Jones, Nikki Ames, Peace Jah, and Lady Toni. Don’t miss the Engendered Spirit Awards.
The afternoon continues with a workshop spotlighting sex on our own terms: sexual liberation for trans/genderqueer bodies. SMYAL will also be in attendance to discuss trans and queer youth empowerment. Last, but not least, the afternoon sessions end with a forum on being a supportive and successful trans ally 2.0 And, throughout the day Whitman Walker Health will be providing free testing.
If you would like to volunteer to be a part of a day that truly focuses on the visibility, empowerment and rights of the transgender community. Volunteer orientation will take place on May 19, 2016 at Whitman-Walker Health. Individual donations and table registrations are still available.
Happy hour is a short walk away to Studio Theatre from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. There will be special performances by Kisha Allure and Trenton Snow.
For more information on Capital Trans Pride, visit www.capitalpride.org.
