The Los Angeles LGBT Center will host the 17th Annual Trans Pride L.A. festival from Friday, June 19, to Saturday, June 20, at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza in Hollywood.
Trans Pride L.A. is one of the oldest and largest trans celebrations in the country.
This year, the event is sponsored by the Amazon Original Series Transparent.
It all begins with the Big Queer Convo–the Center’s ongoing series of provocative community forums on under-explored issues of concern to the LGBT community. The discussion is set to take place in the Renberg Theatre, beginning on Friday at 7:30 pm, featuring pioneering trans artist and founder of the academic discipline of transgender studies, Sandy Stone. World-renowned trans author, artist, and gender theorist Kate Bornstein will be there to moderate. Although these two trans icons have been longtime friends, this is the first time they will share a stage. A reception and art opening in The Village Courtyard will follow the discussion.
Big Queer Convo is free to the public, but reservations are recommended by applying online at learningcurvela.org/bigqueerconvo
Saturday’s events begin with a festival featuring free food and a bar hosted by Stoli; a Name and Gender Change Clinic sponsored by the Transgender Law Center; interactive workshops, including Bollywood dance and a self-defense workshop; and an art installation dedicated to trans bodies, body image and body politics.
The Advocate & Gochis Galleries will also host “We Can Be Heroes”–a community art project featuring work from acclaimed trans artist Sandy Stone and a special community mural project by young, up-and-coming trans artists from the Center’s LifeWorks and Homeless Youth programs.
More than 30 organizations that support the trans community will also be on hand on Saturday to offer information on services and issues vital to trans individuals.
The Saturday evening program features a VarieTy show showcasing the talents of trans performers Alexandra Billings, Our Lady J, D’Lo, Ian Harvie, LZ Love, Gia Ryan, Alexandra Grey, Shane Ivan Nash, among others, and a special performance by Sandy Stone. Following the VarieTy show, everyone is invited to dance the night away at the Trans Pride L.A. After Party hosted by Trans Folx Fighting Eating Disorders (T-Ffed) at Arena Nightclub located at 6655 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038.
For more information and updates about Trans Pride L.A., visit facebook.com/transprideLA
