Volunteers Needed, 4th Annual Philly Trans* March

Posted by GALAEI on September 29, 2014

4th Annual Philly Trans* March: Marching On…

Members of the trans* community and their allies will rally and then take to the streets of Philadelphia on October 11, 2014 from 3-6:00 pm for the 4th annual Philly Trans* March (PTM). Programming will begin at LOVE Park (JFK Plaza) at 3:00 pm, to include an awards ceremony and keynote speaker, before attendees depart at approximately 4:00 pm to spread their message throughout the downtown Center City area, chanting and carrying signs, as part of their march to raise awareness, visibility, and support for this underserved, marginalized population.

Founded in 2010, Philly Trans* March exists not just as a rally and demonstration, but as a true revolutionary movement—both to engage the community and inspire action. The march is open to individuals of all gender identities, expressions, and experiences, including trans* allies. Although PTM has seen a change in leadership this year, it will remain a community-informed and community-led effort. Local trans* activists, with support from the Trans-Health Information Project, a program of GALAEI, and members of the Mazzoni Center’s Trans* Wellness Project and the Sisterly LOVE Project Community Advisory Board, are working to diligently to keep this year’s event as consistent as possible, in both appearance and purpose, to its original vision.

Naiymah Sanchez, Co-Coordinator of GALAEI’s Trans-Health Information Project and PTM organizer, says, “The purpose of this year’s march is to draw attention to the many accomplishments and challenges that trans* youth face in their day-to-day struggles against discrimination, homelessness, bullying, body image issues, and other injustices.”

“In my youth, as a trans woman of color, I prioritized my transition over all else: education, stability, relationships, etc. But now, loving the skin I’m in has made me the successful woman I am today,” says Samantha Jo-Dato, the opening keynote speaker for this year’s march.
During the rally, attendees will be able to seek trans* sensitive and affirming services from local organizations, as well as connect with other trans* identified individuals for peer-support. Food and beverage donations, as well as a pop-up trans* clothing closet are in the works for this year’s event, as well.

PTM will also hold a moment of silence to reflect upon the violence trans* identified individuals face on a regular basis throughout the U.S., but especially here in our own city. “The idea for the march as a demonstration/protest was originally born at the funeral of Stacey Blahnik, a Philadelphia trans woman who was murdered in 2010 and whose killer remains unidentified. Right now, we are awaiting the preliminary hearing for Charles Sargent, the man accused of murdering and dismembering another Philly trans woman, Diamond Williams, last July,”
says TIP Co-Coordinator, Andrew Spiers, adding, “It is important that our community not only be aware of such issues, but that they feel compelled to act, and to show that we won’t stand for such injustices in our city.”

With less than a month to bring together this peaceful demonstration, PTM organizers are still seeking donations for: sound equipment, clothing, food, and water, as well as volunteers to help the day of the march. Additionally, a van will be available at the event for those with mobility issues, and an ASL interpreter will be present.

Philly Trans* March welcomes everyone to join in this MARCH TOWARDS EQUALITY and to protest the hate, social injustices, and inequality faced by trans*, gender variant, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming communities.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Philly Trans* March should contact Naiymah Sanchez or Andrew Spiers by email at tipphilly@gmail.com, or by calling (215) 851-1822. The Philly Trans* March is also on Facebook and Twitter, at http://www.facebook.com/phillytransmarch and @PHLtransmarch. March with us and tweet with us using #PHLtransmarch14 and #TRANSLIVESMATTER!