Trans Day of Visibility March 30 in Salt Lake City

With hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community rising across the country in recent years, and members of the trans community being singled out and attacked both locally and nationally, organizers say Transgender Day of Visibility 2024 is an important moment to gather in support of the trans community.

“This is an opportunity to focus on the positive and what trans folks have accomplished, along with the changes that have come about from our activism,” said the Glitter Foundation co-founder Dallas Rivas, who is organizing the event. “My entire life was a challenge, and this challenge to the trans community needs to end. Our youth do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens. We need equality.”

The event will be held Saturday, March 30 and will include a rally, march and an evening party, with a comedy show, performances, and dancing.

The event starts with a RALLY at the Utah State Capitol building at 4 p.m. Attendees will then march down State Street to City Creek Park for an OPEN MIC event from 5 to 7 p.m. “where everyone is encouraged to make some noise!”

At 8 p.m., an AFTER-PARTY will take place at Club Verse with a trans comedy show, performances, and drink specials through closing.

“I look forward to seeing my trans community come out of their shells and mingle with the entire community,” Rivas said. “I want to see my gay and lesbian community embrace trans people and try to meet us halfway to understand and accept us. We must learn to lift each other up.”

There are an estimated 2.5 million people who identify as transgender in the United States, according to reports. 82 percent of those who were out or perceived as transgender at some point between kindergarten and grade 12 experienced some form of mistreatment, such as being verbally harassed, prohibited from dressing according to their gender identity, disciplined more harshly, or physically/sexually assaulted because people thought they were transgender.

“We are excited to continue to create an inclusive and safe environment for the entire queer community to enjoy — even more to protect — and give to one of the most marginalized and abused communities within in our queer label,” said Club Verse co-owner Micheal Repp. “We welcome you home.”

The Club Verse after-party will be hosted by DJ Naomi and Toni Negroni and emceed by Madazon Can-Can. Entertainment will include comedy by Judas Rose and Kendoll Clitzone with a performance by LeoLezzi, Treasure Barbiee & the Doll Haus, Omni, Billy the King, and Avery

There will also be pole and aerial dancers, a photo booth, and drink specials by sponsor Five Husbands Vodka.

Club Verse is at 609 S. State St., Salt Lake City

A sign-making event for the rally will be held Thursday, March 21, at the Utah Pride Center from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Transgender Day of Visibility is a global celebration of the lives and contributions of transgender and non-binary people,” Rivas said. “It was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall, TDOV provides a platform for empowering transgender individuals to live authentically and to highlight the challenges they encounter due to discrimination.”

“It’s an opportunity to recognize the achievements and resilience of transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming persons around the world. It is also a time to combat disinformation, discrimination, and hate impacting the transgender community.” Q More information on TDoV and the Glitter Foundation can be found at instagram.com/glitterfoundationutah