In celebration of trans and gender diverse members of the Niagara College and broader Niagara community, the College hosted a panel presentation featuring local organizations in honour of Trans Day of Visibility.
Recognized annually on Mar. 31, the day is dedicated to celebrating trans people and raising awareness of the discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
Representatives included the Niagara Transgender Action Coalition, Niagara Reproductive Justice, OPIRG Brock, Brock Pride, PFLAG Niagara, Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre and Queer Kid Bible Camp, with closing remarks by the NC Rainbow Knights.
The event opened acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ understandings of gender which predated colonization and historically celebrated Two Spirit, transgender, and gender diverse people. Colonization’s impact led to the erasure of these identities, resulting in discrimination and violence against Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender diverse individuals, as highlighted in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ final report. Reading the final report’s calls for justice and participating in community events honoring the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, is crucial in amplifying and celebrating these voices and contributions while working towards justice and inclusion within Indigenous communities.
The hybrid panel presentation was a chance for the NC community to hear from local organizations and learn about efforts to support trans communities.
The discussion acknowledged the discrimination faced by trans people, but was lighthearted and positive, centered around the events and activations that are bringing trans and gender diverse people together in Niagara, with a focus on joy and fun.
Panelists shared upcoming events aimed at judgement-free social connection to mitigate high levels of isolation and loneliness in our communities, encouraging anyone to get involved.
Thanks to all those who celebrated.
