11 Years of Trans Pride in Seattle: Celebrating the Strength, Diversity, and Beauty of Two Spirit, Trans, and Gender-Diverse People
by Patheresa Wells
Trans Pride Seattle has grown from a few hundred people marching and gathering at Cal Anderson Park to tens of thousands of attendees, making it one of the largest — if not the largest — Trans Pride events in the nation. This year's celebration returns to Volunteer Park Amphitheater on Friday, June 28, from 5—10 p.m.
Trans Pride Seattle is a crucial event that boosts the visibility, advocacy, and empowerment of the two spirit, trans, and gender-diverse (2STGD) community and allies. Organized by the Gender Justice League (GJL), the event was created to provide a space for 2STGD individuals to unite and foster connections.
This year's event will include performances by an all-trans lineup, including drag artists such as Diamond Lil, Hot Pink Shade, and Tinashea Mont. The musical headliner is Ocean Kelly, who will be delighting the crowd with his viral hits songs "Wanda's Cunty Vision" and "Into the Kunt of It" and tracks from his latest album, my dolphin has a virus. DJs, ballroom and kiki houses, singers, and community speakers who combine artistry with activism will also entertain the audience.
"I'm especially excited to have Miss Capitol Hill herself, Tinashea Monet, headlining! That, and watching the community come together to celebrate trans pride and trans joy," said Maggie Bishop, administrative assistant for GJL.
Performances will start at 6 p.m. and run until 9:30 p.m. Trans Pride is a mask-required event. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, cushions, and seating. The food truck area will offer various options for grabbing a snack to enjoy in the sunshine. ASL interpreters will be available to the left of the stage, and there is a limited seating area for people with mobility needs near the front. The show will also be livestreamed on GJL's YouTube for those unable to attend.
As a community-centered event, Trans Pride has a tabling area with over 100 trans-led organizations, community groups, and small businesses. Attendees can also visit the merch table to purchase special Trans Pride Seattle and Gender Justice League branded items and trans-themed swag, including T-shirts, hats, tote bags, trans pride flags, and more. All proceeds go to help keep the event running.
Trans Pride depends heavily on the support of hundreds of volunteers.
"We rely a lot on volunteers, especially for things like helping to set up and break down the event, helping to move things to and from our storage unit, and the event just couldn't happen if we didn't have volunteers," said Kai Aprill-Tomlin, communications and membership development manager for GJL.
Volunteers are needed not just on the day of the event but all year round, as planning for the next year starts soon after the last person leaves the park. Volunteering comes with perks like snacks, Trans Pride Seattle swag, and a chance to meet new people and well-known performers.
One of the many roles volunteers play is assisting in making the space accessible. Mask encouragers will help with the Trans Pride mask policy. By holding a mask-required event, organizers are doing everything possible to make the celebration safe for everyone. The event also offers accessible entrances and exits, and the ever-popular Spoons Tent, a low-sensory place where individuals can escape loud sounds and crowds and recharge. Staffed by volunteers experienced in providing mental health support, there are also stim toys, snacks, water, and other amenities.
Trans Pride symbolizes more than just a gathering; it represents the 2STGD community's fundamental human right to live authentically. Each year, the event continues to grow, supporting, connecting, and celebrating so much brilliance that even the team behind it cannot wait for the day.
Oliver Webb, GJL operations director, reflected on the beginnings of Trans Pride back in 2013. "We didn't have a trans event and we wanted a safe space for all of us. Seattle Pride existed, and not that we weren't represented there, but … at the time, Gender Justice League was doing a lot of political work. [We] wanted to not only showcase that, but also local artists, because we have a lot of amazing local artists," Webb said.
Patheresa Wells is a queer poet, writer, and storyteller who lives in SeaTac, Washington. Born to a Black mother and Persian father, her experiences as a multicultural child shaped her desire to advocate for and amplify her community. She is currently pursuing a B.A. in creative writing. Follow her on Twitter @PatheresaWells.
Featured Image: The crowd lounges amid the joyous atmosphere of Trans Pride at Volunteer Park Amphitheater in 2023. (Photo: Mel Ponder)
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Before you move on to the next story …
The South Seattle Emerald™ is brought to you by Rainmakers. Rainmakers give recurring gifts at any amount. With around 1,000 Rainmakers, the Emerald™ is truly community-driven local media. Help us keep BIPOC-led media free and accessible.
If just half of our readers signed up to give $6 a month, we wouldn’t have to fundraise for the rest of the year. Small amounts make a difference.
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