Calgary celebrates International Trans Day of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility is a day that brings awareness and celebration to transgender, two-spirit, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people in our communities.

The Calgary Tower and trees on Stephen Avenue were lit with the colours of the transgender community flag to honour the day.

“It was important to me that Calgary put its allyship on display but make an unwavering commitment towards building safe and affirming communities,” said Anna Murphy, a community member championing diversity and inclusion.

WATCH: CityNews’ Danina Falkenberg reports on Calgary’s Transgender Day of Visibility celebrations

Calgarians met at city hall to discuss the successes the community has seen, and to highlight what else can be done to provide safe spaces for everyone.

“I think it’s so important for all Albertans to do everything they can to celebrate and raise up the experience, the achievements, and frankly the ongoing struggles,” NDP Leader Rachel Notley said.

A proclamation was signed by Mayor Jyoti Gondek and a flag was raised at City Hall, but Calgary still sees messages of unacceptance.

Over the weekend a Pride flag displayed outside of a church was vandalized.

Police have said they believe the incident was “motivated towards the LGBTQ2S+ community” and that they are treating this as a potential hate crime.

RELATED ARTICLE: Calgary church target of possible hate crime, says police

“Quite frankly we will not cower in the face of weaponized ideology,” Murphy said. “We will not be forced back into the closet because of ignorance and intolerance.”