Transgender Day of Visibility event in Red Deer Saturday

L’Hirondelle says the other purpose for Saturday’s event is showing people who are too afraid to come out that they can live a normal life as openly transgender or non-binary.

“Red Deer is very Bible-beltish still, but the situation is getting better slowly every day,” she says. “With more and more people coming to TANAS for education, the more and more people can understand how to help the trans and non-binary community.”

This is where allies come into the fold, L’Hirondelle says, saying they are able to use their privilege to strengthen ties between folks on both sides of the ledger, rather than tear them apart.

“The one thing I want to tell people is how trans people are represented within society and media is a matter of life or death,” she continues. “You can represent us to be who we really are and our true authentic selves, which could save somebody’s life, or you can represent in the dark places and end up hurting somebody severely, whether it be by self-harm or hate crimes.”

In the last year, TANAS has increased its work with several community agencies, including with local school districts and the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

The International Transgender Day of Visibility is recognized annually on March 31.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Transgender Day of Visibility event in Red Deer Saturday

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