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International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated every year on Mar. 31. Since 2009, this day has existed to recognize the systemic and societal challenges faced by people whose identities fall under the trans umbrella. If you are transgender, non-binary, gender diverse, unsure about your gender identity, or just want to educate yourself, here are some events in Toronto to check out:
Trans Youth Mentorship Program
The 519 on Church Street offers a mentorship program for transgender youth aged 16-29 every Wednesday. The weekly workshops give trans youth the opportunity to connect with others in their community while learning skills like leadership, conflict resolution and public speaking. Members of The 519 also provide lessons on things like anti-oppression, harm reduction, collective care, event planning and networking.
Trans Collective Red Carpet Eleganza Extravaganza
Eleganza Extravaganza is happening this Thursday at 6:30 pm! Head over to the Tecumseh Auditorium on the TMU campus for a formal event dedicated to queer and trans students. Pay what you can tickets are available online.
The Comedy Lab on Brunswick Avenue is hosting an open mic night for women and non-binary people on Friday starting at 10 pm. Not only can you hear from up-and-coming LGBTQ+ comedians, you can even try to take a stab at comedy yourself. If you could use a good laugh, a drink or even if you want to make new friends, pay what you can tickets are available online.
Discussion about gender-diverse people experiencing homelessness
This Saturday at 2 p.m., head over to the Centre for Social Innovation on Spadina for a discussion about homelessness among gender-diverse people. The discussion will be led by researchers from SISTERING, which is an organization that provides assistance for homeless and precariously housed women and transgender people in Toronto. They will explore gender and housing, its intersections, and talk about housing security in Toronto for women and transgender people.
Contributing Editor, On The Record, Winter 2023
