The 2019 National Transgender Visibility March in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Michael Kay of The Washington Blade)
ORLANDO | The National Trans Visibility March announced their schedule of events in a press release this week, many of which will be adjusted due to the ongoing pandemic.
“Due to elevated COVID-19 numbers, the NTVM will scale back events and follow CDC guidelines. We are requesting that if you attend an indoor event you be vaccinated and wear a mask,” the organization stated in its press release.
NTVM kicked off events in August with virtual workshops starting a safety initiative — led by Dee Dee Watters — called “No Lives Left Behind: Violence and Safety is More Than Just Physical Harm,” that focused on healthcare, policy, awareness, resources and actions moving forward.
The next workshop, which will be hosted by the NTVM’s presenting sponsor TD Bank, will focus on trans and nonbinary entrepreneurship. “Leveraging Your Authentic Self to Build Your Legacy” will feature trans and nonbinary business leaders from across the country and will be on Sept. 22 from 12-2 p.m. ET.
The workshop will broadcast on the NTVM’s website at NationalTransMarch.com.
The NTVM will kick off a week of events starting Oct. 4, broadcasting all events virtually and having a scaled-back presence in person, leading up to Oct. 9, the day of the march.
On Oct. 4, the NTVM will hold its opening ceremony in Orlando from 7-8 p.m. ET. The opening ceremony will continue Oct. 5 in Chicago from 7-8 p.m. ET, Oct. 6 in New York from 7-8 p.m. ET and in Sacramento from 9-10 p.m. ET, and Oct. 7 in Atlanta from 7-8 p.m. ET.
Also on Oct. 7, the organization will hold the NTVM Empowerment Service at Joy MCC in Orlando from 12-1 p.m. ET.
On Oct. 8, the NTVM will host its Torch Awards, which will honor community activists and leaders, in Orlando.
The main event will happen on Oct. 9, starting will a rally at 1 p.m. ET broadcasting live from Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Sacramento leading up to the 2 p.m. march in Orlando.
This year’s NTVM is being held in collaboration with Orlando’s Come Out With Pride parade and festival, also on Oct. 9.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of our trans and non-binary siblings from across the nation as Orlando gathers once again at Lake Eola,” Jeff Prystajko, COWP’s board president, said in the press release. “As the largest single-day parade and festival in Central Florida, we’re certain this will create an historic opportunity to both share in trans and non-binary culture as well as educate the community and allies about the struggles and safety trans and non-binary individuals continue to face every day.”
This is the third year of the NTVM. In September 2019, thousands of transgender and gender nonconforming activists filled the streets of Washington, D.C. Last year, due to the pandemic, the NTVM held its events virtually.
“This past year, NTVM focused on the 2020 Elections with the ‘My Vote Is My Voice’ initiative and hosted the NTVM in a virtual format. This year, NTVM will focus on regional safety plans to address the number of tumultuous murders that are continually taking place with trans identified people. We are taking the National Trans Visibility March back to the streets,” said Marissa Miller, CEO and founder of the National Trans Visibility March, in the press release.
For up-to-date information on the National Trans Visibility March, visit NationalTransMarch.com.
