Every year, Calgary hosts a variety of events for Pride week. This year, the Dyke and Trans* communities are also joining forces to host a march through downtown.
On Thursday, August 28th, the Women’s Centre is hosting a workshop with members of the Calgary Dyke and Trans* March committee. It is the perfect occasion for you to learn more about the Calgary Dyke and Trans* March, what kinds of marginalization are unique to the Dyke and Trans* community, and celebrate diversity in Calgary. The workshop will also explore ways that individuals, groups and organizations can act as allies.
We already have a Pride Parade, why host a Dyke and Trans* March too?
According to the Calgary Dyke and Trans* March website, Pride’s history primarily lies in the gay rights movement and is focused on promoting “efforts for gay male equality.” Now that some members of the LGBTQ community are having their basic rights recognized, including being able to marry and decriminalization of same gender sexual activity, it is important to continue addressing the needs of other members of the LGBTQ community. Trans* people, for instance, still face unique marginalization, including a lack of gender neutral bathrooms, doctors’ forms without Trans* checkboxes and higher rates of violence and discrimination.
“Pride is a celebration and it should be a celebration, but there still needs to be that advocacy piece,” says Gio Dolcecore, head of community engagement for the March.
What does Trans* mean?
Trans* is an umbrella terms used to describe all of the unique identities within the gender identity spectrum. They include, but are not limited to, transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, genderfluid, non-binary, genderless, agender, non-gendered, third gender, two-spirit, bigender, trans men, and trans women.
What happens after the March?
While The Dyke and Trans* March is a huge undertaking, organizers are also excited to be launching a new community engagement project. The “It Takes A Village” campaign will be a political demonstration, but also a way to involve Calgary neighbourhoods in creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ community.
The Women’s Centre is committed to being diverse and inclusive. A key factor in fostering inclusion is creating a safe space where women are able to participate free from discrimination. Please come and join us for this workshop on Thursday, August 28 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Call 403-264-1155 or email us here to register.
The Dyke and Trans* March takes place on August 30 from 11:00am to 3:30pm. Check out their website for more information.