Trans Day of Visibility – March 31, 2023

For immediate release

Trans Day of Visibility 

Lancaster, PA – On Trans Day of Visibility, March 31, 2023, Lancaster Pride Association will be holding a Trans Day of Visibility event at Southern Market Lancaster in Downtown Lancaster from 6:00 to 9:00 pm to bring together the community over games and hearing stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Trans Day of Visibility is an annual awareness day celebrated around the world. The day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender-nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice.

While we recognize our gains as a community this TDOV, we also know there is much more work to be done. Transgender and non-binary people continue to face legislative and executive attacks across the United States, as well as an ongoing epidemic of violence against transgender and non-binary people, especially against Black and Brown transgender women.

An onslaught of dangerous anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation has been introduced and passed in States across the country, targeting transgender children and their parents and interfering with their access to health care and their identity. These unconscionable attacks have left countless LGBTQIA+ families in fear and pain. Existing as a queer person is not a statement or expression of politics.

Today, on TDOV, and every day, we celebrate all trans people everywhere while helping others learn more about the trans experience to combat hate, discrimination, and misinformation.

Lancaster Pride is a celebration of the progress that the local LGBTQ+ community has made toward achieving visibility, acceptance, and equality within Lancaster County, and we remain steadfast in our commitment, through community events and outreach, to educate, collaborate, and build partnerships with our allies, associations, and other organizations that directly support the LGBTQ+ population.

Board games, tabletop games, and card games provided by Country Hearth Bed and Breakfast.

Speakers include:

Jessi Purdy (she/her) – Jessica Purdy’s desire for a more inclusive and accepting society led her to become an Activist, Public Speaker, and Founder of FIC Human Resource Partners, LLC. Her identity as a panromantic, asexual, transwoman is central to her life and work.  She is, as they say, Out and Proud.  But rather than ‘coming out’, she brings people into her confidence, her truth, and her life.  Currently she’s a City of Lancaster Human Relations Commissioner and a YWCA Lancaster Board member.  

Frances (Fran) Gibbons (she/her) In 2008, Fran was blessed with her first and only child, Keira (Kayden) Gibbons. During that time, Fran was a single mom with Kayden. Working various jobs to ensure she and Kayden were living a comfortable life. It wasn’t until 2011 that Fran met her now husband, Eugene P Gibbons, who in 2019 would adopt Kayden as his child.  In 2016, Fran decided to change careers and started to work with the Alzheimer’s Association as a constituent events manager. This was due to her father’s diagnosis with Parkinson related dementia, and she is passionate about helping others navigate the ins and outs of this devastating disease. Fran currently works as the Senior Director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Pennsylvania Chapter.  

K (Kayden) Gibbons (they/them) is a Lancaster County native. Kayden is currently a 9^th grader at Ephrata High School, involved in the LGBTQ+ group, and part of the track and field team.  During their spare time, Kayden enjoys playing the guitar, taking MMA classes, walking dogs, and playing video games. Kayden also enjoys volunteering at various events held by the Alzheimer’s Association.  In 2019, Kayden came out to their parents as gay, and in 2021, as trans. 

Micki Dawson (he/him) is the Vice President of Lancaster Pride. As an out and proud bisexual transman, he knows and understands the value of Pride festivals to the community and the significant effects they can have on people’s life — as it has impacted his. For many reasons, Pride brings people together, allows them to express themselves authentically, builds community, and sparks joy. He joined the Pride Board to strengthen his ties to the Central PA queer community, as he has found them to be some of the best people around!

Although the event is free, donations are encouraged. 

Registration is not required, but encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trans-day-of-visibility-tickets-570033494527?

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About Lancaster Pride

Lancaster Pride is a celebration of the progress that the local LGBTQ+ community has made toward achieving visibility, acceptance and equality within Lancaster County As an organization, Lancaster Pride is committed to producing a vibrant festival and events throughout the year that honors these achievements. For more information, visit lancpride.com