Dear Center Community,
My name is Phoenix Schneider (he/him), Senior Director of Programs at The Center, and I’m excited to announce some upcoming opportunities to show support for our transgender and nonbinary communities during Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Week of Action, including our Transgender & Nonbinary Visibility Summit on March 21, and our Trans(Gender) 101 Training and Trans Pride Flag Raising on March 28.
During TDOV, we celebrate the joy and resilience of trans and nonbinary people by centering their voices and experiences. As a trans, queer Gen X-er, I have a lifelong commitment to supporting and advocating for the rights of transgender and nonbinary people. As someone who grew up in a conservative Philadelphia suburb, I didn’t have an opportunity to meet or know anyone who was out as trans and/or nonbinary until I left my hometown for college. I have since found peace and confidence in embracing my identity, and strength in being part of a movement that empowers others on their unique journey. I remember the joy of finding my community, the fulfillment of witnessing the slow rise of transgender rights and recognition, and the incredible liberation of receiving gender-affirming care.
Over the years, the LGBTQ+ movement has evolved to increasingly uplift transgender voices and advocate for our rights, wellness, and inclusion. We have made some important strides. But today, this is at risk as the federal administration’s attacks against gender-affirming care and transgender rights threaten to undo years of progress. Not only is it an attempt to disempower and erase the transgender community, but it also emboldens discrimination. This results in very real and devastating consequences for our community, from social exclusion and legal barriers to worsening mental health, especially among youth. With our community’s wellness and rights at stake, it is crucial to rally together in support of transgender and nonbinary visibility—because, while we face opposition, we cannot and will not be erased.
TDOV is an opportunity to come together and remember that visibility is more than just recognition; it is about affirming the existence, dignity, and rights of our community. Visibility requires action and allyship. Now more than ever, trans and nonbinary people need vocal, unwavering support from both within and outside the LGBTQ+ community.
That is why The Center is proud to host a series of events for TDOV Week of Action. This is our time to amplify transgender voices, educate our community, and unite. Whether you are part of the transgender and nonbinary community yourself, or you want to show up in supportive allyship, we invite you to join us at the following events:
- Transgender & Nonbinary Visibility Summit on March 21 from 5-8pm at The Center, where we will have a resource fair, a discussion on the Trump administration’s anti-trans policies, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. RSVP: bit.ly/TDOV-SUMMIT
- Trans(Gender) 101 Training on March 28 from 10-11:30am at The Center, where attendees can gain a deeper understanding of gender identity, pronouns, inclusive language, and the transition process in this educational training led by Project TRANS and the Training Institute. RSVP: bit.ly/TG-101
- Transgender Pride Flag Raising on March 28 at 12pm at the Hillcrest Flagpole, where we will raise the Transgender Pride Flag in celebration of transgender visibility, followed by a brief ceremony with speakers from our community.
These events are not just about trans visibility—they are about action, advocacy, and showing up when it matters most. Trans and nonbinary people are under attack, but together, we can meet this difficult moment with community power.
I hope you will join us for TDOV Week of Action during this critical moment in history, to protect our community and to show that unity and love are stronger than hate.
In community,
Phoenix Schneider (he/him)
Senior Director of Programs