This year, some local companies will work together to enjoy the transgender community through a variety of events, culminating in a Trans Day of Visibility rally on March 31.
The creative year, according to Mandi Remington, the founder and director of Corridor Community Action Network, involves collaborations between local businesses and people and friends of the trans community. They are honoring transgender people while also raising awareness of the difficulties and prejudice that society faces.
Remington said, “Transgender Day of Memory was established to observe trans life rather than honor trans deaths,” making a distinction between Trans Day of Visibility and Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is observed periodically in November.
Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) was first observed in 2009 and was founded by Rachel Crandall, a transgender activist from Michigan. The annual event has become a globally recognized day of lobbying, party, and solidarity.
Remington emphasized the value of raising trans awareness and understanding in Johnson County, which is why the organization has scheduled a number of activities from Thursday through Sunday.
According to Remington, “We need our group members to show up in cooperation with our trans society and to know about what’s happening in the government and how to create the necessary supports here in the corridor to ensure that we are doing everything possible to stop all of the damage that is causing in Des Moines.”
Remington, who has two transgender children, was encouraged to extend the events beyond one day in an effort to “love and support” the neighborhood transgender community.
“One of the first thoughts I had was, ‘There is no way I may let my children see this and had nothing happen with all they’ve been seeing and hearing nowadays,'” Remington said. “Any area that is experiencing the kind of problems that transgender individuals are experiencing at this point in time should have the opportunity to celebrate and come up as a neighborhood and realize that they’re loved and supported.”
Transgender Day of Visibility was supported by the Iowa City City Council and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in 2023 by the Iowa City City Council. Individual assertions from the City Council and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors acknowledge the contributions made by Iowa City’s trans community. Recently passed anti-transgender policy in Iowa and across the country, both government institutions expressed disapproval of it.
Bringing the area along
Main features include a protest and party from 2-3:30 p.m. on Sunday at College Green Park.
Due to the transgender people who were charged by school police, the Corridor Community Action Network decided to stop holding events on the University of Iowa school. Seven non-binary and transgender people were detained late last year after giving a lesson at the Iowa Memorial Union.
The march and party are intended to be joyful, with the addition of Trans Youth, Trans Youth, LGBTQ Iowa Archives & Library, and live performances by The Quire as well as Tara McGovern, who lately was cleared of two claims following the above opposition.
Additionally, organizations like Corridor Community Action Network, Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, EqualMeds, Iowa City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), United Action for Youth, and Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) will have booths.
Public Space One is the host of a number of Saturday events.
On Saturday, March 30, Public Space One will host an entire day of activities. A community potluck will be held from 12:30-2 p.m., where guests are asked to bring a food item and donations are also welcome. The day will begin with a zine and rally sign-making workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The day will be finished with a few games hosted by Café and Diversions Games.
“Saturday’s community event at Public Space One is a good opportunity for anybody,” Remington said. “The celebration and rally atmosphere doesn’t work for everybody, it is an alternative for people with sensory sensitivities or mobility difficulties.”
The rest of the week will feature events intended to educate, celebrate, and advocate for the trans community, culminating in the celebration and rally on Sunday.
Free Gender-Affirming Haircuts
On Thursday, March 28, Mop Salon will offer free gender-affirming haircuts to members of the transgender and nonbinary communities. Appointments are available on the salon’s website.
18+ Transgender Variety Show and Fundraiser
Burlesque, live music, and an art auction supporting local trans mutual aid initiatives will be featured at 8 p.m., Friday, March 29 at The James Theater. The James Theater is located at 213 N Gilbert St., Iowa City.
Zine & Sign Making Workshop:
Make zines, rally signs, and art at hands-on craft time on Saturday, March 30 at PS1 Close House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Public Space One is located at 538 S Gilbert St., Iowa City.
Community Potluck:
Share a meal and connect at the community potluck on March 30 at PS1 Close House from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Gaymers Gathering:
Gaymers Gathering, a board game pop-up with Diversions Games & Café, will follow the community potluck on Saturday, March 30.
Conversation & Education:
On Sunday, the Iowa City Public Library will host a variety of Transgender Day of Visibility events, including letters written and legislative updates. Residents will learn about the laws while conducting educational activities to learn how to improve the community. From noon to 1:30 p.m., the library events will take place.
Rally & Celebration:
The week’s highlight will be the rally from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 31 at College Green Park.
Tomboy Screening & Talk-Back at FilmScene:
A 4 p.m. screening of the film ‘Tomboy’ will be shown at FilmScene’s Chauncey location after the rally. A talk-back will also be held. The Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund will receive a portion of the event’s proceeds.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining, and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_.
