Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is coming up on March 31, giving everyone a time to honor and uplift the trans community through celebrations, activism and storytelling.
Across Chicago, organizations are hosting a variety of events to commemorate the occasion. Whether it’s a film screening, an educational panel or a protest—there is something for everyone.
To help readers honor this year’s TDOV, Windy City Times rounded up eight events happening in the Chicago area.
Do you know of an event we should add to this list? Email wittichjake@gmail.com.
For more LGBTQ+ event roundups, sign up for our Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter.
Trans Day of Visibility Pop-Up Closet
Date: March 28 from 3-7 p.m.
Location: TransChicago Empowerment Center, 2753 W. Division St.
Details: Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with a pop-up closet event offering free clothing, accessories, and resources to the trans community. This event is a safe space for individuals to express themselves and access items that reflect their identity, all while connecting with fellow community members.
More info here.
Visibility as Power film screening with Lambda Legal
Date: March 28 at 6 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Details: Join this virtual screening of Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps, a personal and poetic film by Scott Turner Schofield that explores trans identity through storytelling.
More info here.
Rally for Trans Visibility
Date: March 30 from 1-3 p.m.
Location: Federal Plaza, 230 S. Dearborn St.
Details: Join Trans Up Front Illinois for a rally and protest in support of the transgender community. This event will bring together activists, allies and community members to stand against discrimination and demand equality for all trans individuals. Participants are encouraged to bring signs, share their voices and stand in solidarity with trans people.
More info here.
Trans Day of Visibility Eve Celebration
Date: March 30 at 9 p.m.
Location: Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St.
Details: Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with us at Sidetrack on Sunday, March 30, during Sunday Funday After Dark! Enjoy performances by Sasha Love, Opal Cavalli and Keri Traid from 9 p.m. to midnight, and show your support for the trans community while raising funds for the PRCC-Trans Empowerment Center.
More info here.
Trans Day of Visibility in Lake County
Date: March 30 from noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Multiple locations in Lake County (to be announced)
Details: Join the LGBTQ+ Center Lake County for its celebration dedicated to the trans community. The organization is staging peaceful demonstrations throughout the area where participants are encouraged to bring flags and signs showing their support for the trans community.
More info here.
Trans Visibility Day Comedy Show with Evanston Pride
Date: March 30 from 7-8 p.m.
Location: Double Clutch Brewing Company, 2121 Ashland Ave. in Evanston
Details: Celebrate with laughter at this special TDOV comedy night, featuring trans and nonbinary comedians sharing their stories and humor.
More info here.
A Brief History of Trans Activism: Lessons for the Present
Date: March 31 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
Details: A discussion on the history of trans activism, its impact, and the ongoing fight for trans rights, led by local advocates and historians.
More info here.
Trans Day of Visibility with Chicago Therapy Collective
Date: March 31 from 4-9 p.m.
Location: Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N. Clark St.
Details: Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with Share Your Voice, Move Your Body, an event that honors the power of trans expression through spoken word, music and movement. This celebration offers a platform for trans artists and performers to showcase their talents, while also fostering a sense of community and resilience.
More info here.