Capital Trans Pride takes place May 19-20
Weekend of events brings the transgender community together for a celebration of fellowship and camaraderie
“As we continue to expand trans rights and struggle with opposition, Capital Trans Pride becomes more important each year,” says Bianca Rey. “It’s important to show visibility for the transgender community as we work towards equality, and to have a safe space for individuals who have felt marginalized for a long time.”
Now in its 11th year, Capital Trans Pride brings together D.C.’s transgender and non-binary communities for a weekend of celebration, education, and fellowship. The event kicks off with a festival and resource fair featuring more than 25 corporate partners and community organizations, at Foundry United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 19. Food, coffee, and live entertainment will be offered throughout the day at Stead Park, adjacent to the church. A networking happy hour celebration — featuring more live performances — occurs from 5 to 8 p.m. at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW.
A communal worship service, Transgender Worship, Engaged, Empowered Together, will be held on Sunday, May 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at New Hope Baptist United Church of Christ. Later that night, at 8 p.m., A Fantastic Woman, the Oscar-winning Chilean drama about a transgender waitress and nightclub singer, will screen at Stead Park.
This year’s keynote speaker is Tiq Milan, an activist, journalist, and national spokesperson for GLAAD. “I think one of the things that’s special about him is he’s a well-known advocate that strives to make sure our community is visible in any space,” says Rey, who serves as the event’s chair.
Rey hopes Milan’s presence will encourage members of the trans-masculine to participate in the weekend’s activities. Says Rey, “Capital Trans Pride has historically been attended primarily by trans women, and we wanted to make sure we were very intentional in promoting inclusion, because the trans community is very diverse.”
Capital Trans Pride runs Saturday, May 19 to Sunday, May 20, with the main event on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St. NW. For a full schedule of events, visit capitalpride.org/events/capital-trans-pride.
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