Awareness
The first Trans Pride March held in Canada took place in Toronto on June 26, 2009. The march was planned and organized by trans rights activist and member of the trans community Karah Mathiason and her wife and fellow member of the trans community Diane Grant. The march was long overdue and a much-needed addition to annual pride events. In the past many members of the trans community and their allies had marched in Toronto Pride’s parades. Although these parades encompassed the queer community they were often geared towards gay men and lesbians in the Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) community.
With pride events in the community more oriented towards lesbians and gay men in the queer community, along with political legislation and attacks on the trans community, the need was never greater for Trans Marches in Canada. Karah Mathiason therefore took it upon herself to organize the first Trans March in Canada. She initially created a Facebook page for the first Trans March thinking it might only attract 10 people. To her surprise news of the Trans March spread garnering significant support.
In planning the first Trans March, Karah’s goal was to create a safe and welcoming space, especially for those in the trans community. Having encountered discrimination in the past, including in queer spaces, she wanted to create a march in which the trans community was highlighted and celebrated. Initiating the march not only helped bring more visibility to the trans community but also amassed more support.
The Trans March was held in Toronto at the intersections of Bloor and Church Streets. The march ended at the intersections of Church and Wellesley. Over 1,500 people attended the march. Unlike many Pride marches that include marketing and sponsorships, the first Trans March was a more community-based and community-run event and continues to be so to this day. Thanks to the organizing efforts of Karah Mathiason and her wife Diane Grant, the march was a success and has become an annual tradition.
Sources
https://ccgsd-ccdgs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Workshop-Zone_-Trans-Activism-Final-copy.pdf
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/trans-march-overdue/article_8dc91c23-6c46-5ed3-a6f4-f18003a7a77d.html
https://m.facebook.com/PrideToronto/posts/10169331615122037/
https://www.cp24.com/cp24-to-cover-pride-parade-live-on-tv-and-online-1.410446
