Thousands will march for trans visibility in D.C. Saturday

On Saturday, thousands of transgender and non-binary people and their supporters are set to gather in Washington, DC, for the National Transgender Visibility March.

The march, which has been held annually since 2019, focuses on the need for trans visibility not just in politics but in society at large. Trans people should support politicians who advocate for them, contact elected officials, and get involved in grassroots movements. Website Note.

This year’s march will also highlight the need to link HIV prevention and education to broader social justice issues: Participants will emphasize the need for HIV prevention and comprehensive sex education, including health services that are culturally appropriate and transgender-inclusive.

The first National Transgender Visibility March was held in Washington in 2019. It was held virtually in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned in Orlando in 2021. It will be held in West Hollywood in 2022 and New York City in 2023.

This year, participants will begin arriving at the Human Rights Campaign headquarters, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, at noon, with an opening ceremony at 1 p.m., the march beginning at 1:30 p.m., and finally returning to HRC headquarters.

Speakers include March Executive Director, Chair and CEO Hope Gisele, HRC President Kelly Robinson, Global Trans Equity Project Founder and Chair Elijah Nicholas, storyteller and activist Ollie Henry of the National Black Justice Coalition and American Association on Disability, DC & MD Safe Haven Founding Executive Director Iya Damons, HIV Vaccine Trial Network External Relations Director Lewis Shackelford, and Trans Maryland Founding Executive Director Lee Blinder.

The post-march party will be held at the Moxy Hotel, 1011 K St. NW, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Scroll down to see photos from last year’s march.