Reveling in trans joy and community
The 4th annual Trans Pride Long Beach event saw hundreds of attendees come together to recognize and celebrate the genderqueer community.
With a myriad of anti-trans legislation being propped up across the United States, Saturday’s Trans Pride Long Beach event provided an escape for genderqueer people to not only celebrate themselves, but their community.
“The trans community has been under attack more than they have in a long time in our country, so today and every day we need to make sure we’re here to hug someone and show them we care,” said City Councilmember Cindy Allen, who was a sponsor and attended the event.
Hosted in Bixby Park, the event ran from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. With over 400 people in attendance, Trans Pride Long Beach offered food, live music and dozens vendors offering everything from Narcan at detox clinic booths to handmade candles and jewelry.
Since the first Trans Pride Long Beach was held on Sept. 18, 2021, co-founders Angel Macias and Alexa Castanon have made it their mission each year to grow the event to make it as inclusive as possible. They said they hope to embrace every genderqueer person they can, regardless of race, age or gender identity.
One of the tents that seemed to draw the most attention provided “Free Mom Hugs” to anyone who wanted one.
“We’re here to be present and support,” said Judy Dodgen, one of the moms at the tent. “Some people want to talk and tell stories, so we’re here to provide hugs to anyone who wants or needs one.”
Trans Pride didn’t just provide emotional support with hugs, but material support. While multiple vendors sold clothes, there was also a “Glam Closet” that provided gender-affirming clothing for free. While medical assistance is important for a trans person’s self-identity, expression is also essential.
The LGBTQ+ Centers for both Long Beach and Orange County were also present, providing support and guidance to anyone who asked.
The Human Rights Campaign had a tent selling rainbow-themed merchandise and were working on spreading their message of support and inclusivity.
“Our goal is to drive visibility and ensure we’re supporting all of our LGBTQ+ family,” said James Santana, the membership outreach chair for the HRC in Los Angeles. “The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights group in the country and being the local steering committee from Los Angeles, we needed to get out here to other communities outside of just Los Angeles.”
Support and enthusiasm were everywhere during the event and on greater display than some people had initially thought.
“The event has been amazing and been a lot bigger than we expected,” said Christopher Santos, a community member attending the event. “The turnout is great and I’m really happy to be here.”
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