Trans* Talk: Trans* Pride
The Evergreen Echo
This year, Pride feels bigger and more important than any other. Like in years past, it feels as though the need for Pride has grown, to remind all of us in the community that we are here, we are alive, we are beautiful. It also feels like an important way to remind our allies to stand with us, and to tell our opposition that we have been here forever and we aren’t backing down anytime soon.
This year, my ability to attend Seattle Pride and smaller Pride events is limited by my schedule, an upcoming surgery, and my personal bandwidth, but it hasn’t stopped me from celebrating Pride in little sporadic ways. With my friends, every conversation is bookmarked by a “Happy Pride!” In meeting agendas, checking in with each other and asking about Pride festivities has become a permanent action item. Here at the Echo, we are celebrating by sharing our Not-So-Secret Pride Guide, so you can have a bird’s eye view of the smaller, more niche Pride gatherings; today, I want to highlight a few of those events with you, turning our attention to the Trans* specific get-togethers and activities.
The Evergreen Echo
By far, the biggest Trans* event that will take place this year is the annual Trans Pride Seattle, brought to us by Gender Justice League. The event is taking place on Friday, June 26 from 5-10 p.m., at the amphitheater in Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill. Trans Pride Seattle is self-described as a “love letter to Trans people everywhere” and the event will center around Trans* talent performing on a large center stage, with tables for dozens of Trans* focused organizations, Trans* artists, and Trans*-led community groups. There will be ample time to enjoy each other’s presence, meet new people, and celebrate Pride amongst our Trans* siblings. The event is free to attend, and is going to be healing, joyous, and magical.
Another event I’m particularly excited by is another STANCE (Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble) showcase on June 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vashon Center for the Arts on Vashon Island (Public Transit Pro Tip: there is a water taxi to Vashon Island from Downtown Seattle and from Point Defiance in Tacoma, depending on where you’re located). I adore STANCE, and even wrote about STANCE not just once but twice. This year’s theme is What Trans Joy Sounds Like, which I know will be powerful and heartfelt, just like all of their performances. You can grab tickets on their site.
A smaller event that sounds refreshing and fun is Pride Across the Bridge’s Trans and Nonbinary Swim day! As someone with sensory issues who absolutely despises our June heatwave, I am hoping to make my way over to Kirkland on July 27 for their monthly swim meet. If you want to attend, be sure to RSVP! For many of us, swimming can be a dysphoric or stressful experience, especially in a public pool, but with so many friends and Trans* siblings around, you can’t go wrong! I am also excited by Pride Across the Bridge’s mission to unite the Trans* and Queer community on the Eastside of Lake Washington, a place I often feel is left out of the county’s main Pride events centered in downtown Seattle.
The Evergreen Echo
One last event I want to highlight, specifically for my BIPOC siblings, is Foxycut Salon’s Pride Event on June 20 (coming very soon!). Foxycut is an inclusive salon located in Georgetown, specializing in curly and textured hair and vibrant fantasy colors. Their Pride Event has an exciting lineup, including drag performers, burlesque, DJs, and a tarot card reader. There will also be food and drinks available. Be sure to RSVP, as they only have space for about 50 attendees!
With that, I’ll leave you to enjoy the Pride festivities and the Trans* joy in the air. Have a safe and fabulous Pride Month!
Peace and love,
Parker Dean
