At a time when violence against our trans siblings is at an all-time high, and anti-trans legislation is popping up all over the country it can be hard to stay focused on the positive work being done to elevate the lives and voices of our trans community members and loved ones. Just last November, 8 transgender candidates won their election bids, and in 2018, an estimated 40 more trans candidates are running for elected office across the country.
This Friday, April 13th, San Diegans will celebrate our 14th Annual Transgender Day of Empowerment (TDOE) where we will come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our trans community. As the fiscal sponsor of, and major donor to, TDOE and the Tracie Jada O’Brien Transgender Student Scholarship Fund, San Diego Pride is overwhelmed with joy that a record 21 scholarships will be awarded to trans youth this year as these incredible young people prepare to further shape not only their future but ours as well.
You can learn more about the event and donate to the trans scholarship fund here, and we hope to see you this Friday evening. If we want to end trans violence we must commit to celebrating, honoring, and uplifting trans excellence, as together we Persist With Pride.
Fernando Lopez is the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Lopez’s years of LGBT advocacy, nonprofit management, public education, diversity consulting, media relations, guest lectures, and organizing have made them a consistent presence ensuring the struggles of the LGBT community are ever visible.
