SAN DIEGO – San Diegans will come together to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the transgender community at the 13th Annual Transgender Day of Empowerment Friday, April 8th at The San Diego LGBT Community Center from 6 to 9 p.m. located at 3909 Centre Street in Hillcrest.
The San Diego Transgender Day of Empowerment was established by long-time San Diego activist Tracie Jada O’Brien as a way to celebrate, empower and honor the transgender community in San Diego. More than a decade later, this event draws hundreds of community members to hear transgender speakers and enjoy community fellowship. This year’s Day of Empowerment will shine a spotlight on San Diego’s transgender youth many strides and successes. In addition to youth performances and poetry, community awards will be given for volunteerism, leadership and artistic accomplishments.
“The trans community has long suffered erasure by the broader LGB and cis communities,” said Tracie Jada O’Brien, “This day allows our trans community to take agency over how and when we highlight our lives and leadership in our pursuit of equality and justice.”
The Tracie Jada O’Brien Transgender Student Scholarships will also be awarded to local transgender students at the event. California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins has generously pledged a $1500 match towards the scholarships that will be critical in helping the event committee reach their goal of distributing more than $3000 in scholarships. San Diego Pride will act as fiscal sponsor of the event and those interested in donating towards the scholarships can donate at www.sdpride.org/donate and put the words “Trans Scholarship” in the comment section. As always, 100% of funds raised will go directly to transgender students here in San Diego.
This event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the program.
