Thousands showed up to support and celebrate the trans community Friday for the 20th Anniversary of the Trans March. A “celebration of trans and gender non-conforming people”, the march is one of the largest trans events in the world and kicks off Pride weekend celebrations.
The event was billed as a safe and sober event and hosted a performance stage and resource fair at Dolores Park prior to the march. The march itself made its way from Dolores Park down Market Street to Turk and Taylor Streets in the city’s Transgender District.
The Trans March begins on Dolores Street, heading up to Market Street. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
The 20th anniversary march comes at an important time as the community’s rights are being targeted through bills and legislation introduced around the country, many focusing on health care and schools.
“Recently, our rights and our existence have come under active, intense attack,” San Francisco Trans March noted. “It is even more critical that we gather this year to fight back, resist, celebrate, create community, [and] uplift our achievements … Let’s show our solidarity and unity.”
And though there is focus on the struggle for visibility and basic rights, there is also an acknowledgment of the beauty and joy of the community coming together.
(l-r) Sisters Merry Peters, Vina Sinfurrs, and Golda Lox. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
Sister Merry Peters of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence was at the march, along with many of the other Sisters. “The Trans Day of Visibility and the Trans March are really important to us,” she said, “because we show up for our community. And we show up in the middle of backlash and … pushback and give joy and amplify love. And support freedom and authenticity. And today is nothing but joy.”
JD and Mel from Oakland, who have attended many of the marches over the last 15 years, shared a similar sentiment. “[We’re] celebrating the expansive trans community,” JD told Hoodline, “and the beauty of expression, and freedom in this world where we don’t have enough. There’s too much repression and anti-trans hate, so it’s just beautiful to see the joy.”
Here are more scenes from the Trans March:
Marchers hold up a Trans flag as they make their way up Dolores Street.
An attendee holds up a "Protect Trans Youth" sign.
Performers on stage in Dolores Park ahead of the march.
A block's long Trans flag is carried by marchers.
Jessy Ruiz from Mexico joined the march for the sixth time.
"I'm here to get some loving energy from the trans community and to be around my community," said Sade Gryffin who was at the first march twenty years ago. "It's just beautiful to see everybody and see the expansion of the community as well."
The march makes its way down Market Street.
A family cheers marchers on as they make their way up Dolores Street.
Carlos Venturo, from San Francisco, holds up a photo in memory of his friend Garza, who passed away two years ago.
Residents cheer on attendees of the march.
Sister Merry Widow of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
"Gender affirming haircuts" were available at the resource fair.
Instituo Familiar de la Raza was represented at the march.
Angel Shavers (middle), Kyanna Weaver (right), and a friend carried signs they made for the event.
Emily, carrying an American flag, makes her way up Dolores Street.
Marchers on Market Street.
A Trans flag is held aloft at Dolores Park.
