Attendees gather around the campfire Monday at the Trans Day of Visibility marshmallow roast as they are addressed by Prairie Pride Guild president Jenni Barrientos.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Kin Coulee Park was bright with signs and spirit as members of the community gathered for Trans Day of Visibility on Monday.
Organized by the Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat and District, the event saw 80 people make their way out to the toboggan hill for an evening of solidarity, as well as a pride walk and a marshmallow roast, despite the late spring chill.
Transgender Day of Visibility is “an annual event dedicated to celebrating transgender people, raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people, and acknowledging their contributions to society,” said Jenni Barrientos, president of the Prairie Pride Guild.
The goal of the event was to create a safe and joyful space for gender diverse people in the area, as well as their loved ones, to mark the occasion.
The Prairie Pride Guild recently celebrated its first year in operation, and as such a new organization, is deeply grateful for the level of turnout and support for events like this, said Barrientos.
Later this week the celebration will continue, as they will be hosting a Day of No Silence Dance Party from 6-8 p.m. Friday in Riverside Veterans Memorial Park.
“We’re gonna get together, be loud, be proud and have a great time,” said Barrientos. “We have a DJ, we have bubbles, we’re just going to get together downtown and have fun.
