Pride in the Park Brings Transgender People Together
(Julia Music, Aug. 22, 2017)
Transgender Michigan is celebrating its 20th year as a non-profit advocacy group for transgender people in the state of Michigan. This year their annual event, Transgender Pride saw record breaking crowds as more than 500 people gathered in Geary Park to celebrate in early August.
During the potluck style party, event participants visited 20 vendors selling items, offering spiritual support, and health related services.
One of the churches in attendance was Christ the Good Shepherd, Deacon Angela Lippard said, “We are committed to being present at events for the trans community, like Transgender Pride in the Park, to show that when we say “LGBT affirming faith community” we truly include the “T”. Even if people do not choose our church, or any affirming place of worship (church, temple, synagogue, etc. ), the members at Christ the Good Shepherd want the trans community to know that there are people of faith that support them.”
Transgender Pride in the Park is unique in that it is one of the only transgender pride events in the nation. Mayor David Coulter welcomed the crowds and introduced Ferndale’s police community liaison who reminded the crowd that Ferndale Police are here to protect everyone.
TJ Dobbie of Mt. Morris Michigan enjoyed the park and meeting online friends in person. “I played on the swings and played tag with a group of kids. There were supportive people everywhere, I danced in the rain and I got to finally use my preferred bathroom.”
Event founder and organizer Rachel Crandall Crocker was happy with this year’s turnout. She said, “Transgender Pride in the Park was more diverse than ever before. This year I think that we truly had a representation of the whole community. Transgender Pride in the Park provides an opportunity for Transgender people to really talk to each other and their allies.”
To learn more about Transgender Michigan click here: www.transgendermichigan.org
Thank you to The Larson Lens for the photography. Check them out at www.thelarsonlens.com.