March 31 Marks Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility, and San Francisco activists invite you to join them for a magical evening of celebrating community. Across the country and internationally, there has been an increased visibility of our transgender and GNC communities.

Despite increased national media visibility, 2016 goes on record as one of the most dangerous years for transgender and gender non-conforming people, with alarming rates of violence, homicides, and suicides -- specifically impacting trans women of color and youth.

Trans Day of Visibility is an International annual holiday celebrated around the world. The day is dedicated honoring our community leaders while raising awareness of victories and work that is still needed to save trans lives.

The past year has already been filled with calls to action for visibility by transgender and gender non-conforming (GNC) people. While many of these protests and actions have been called upon to mourn the lives of trans and GNC folks lost to transphobia and targeted violence, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) is a day to honor and celebrate trans people in every facet of their lives.�

TDoV 2016 will be globally celebrated, including a special San Francisco Bay Area event today�Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at SOMArts, 934 Brannan Street. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at the door. The event will be Live Streaming throughout the evening!�

The evening will include fabulous entertainment, awards, music, food and drinks. Everyone is welcome! Evening attire recommended but not expected.

The TDoV 2016, is a collaboration with Trans: Thrive at API Wellness Center and the SF LGBT Center's Trans Employment Program (TEEI), other community partners and sponsors. TDoV has become a vital staple of San Francisco/ Bay Area.

The event will highlight the inspiring successes of the transgender community in fighting transphobia in our every-day lives through grassroots advocacy, media representation, and concrete policy wins decreasing discrimination at local, regional, and national levels.

This year, the Trans Visibility Awardees are Fresh Meat Productions, St. James Infirmary, Annalise Ophelian and StormMiguel Florez of the film "MAJOR!," and Miss Billie Cooper.

Headliner entertainment features:classical pianist, TV writer for "Transparent," and singer-songwriter, Our Lady J, Nya from Asia SF, San Francisco's #1 Cabaret, and Fuse's "Transcendent," and the talent from the Fresh Meat Festival. In addition, there will be community speakers, performers, food, and drinks. ASL and Spanish translation available.