Philly Trans March seeks to 'bring visibility to community'
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Several hundred supporters of the transgender community marched through Center City Saturday calling for acceptance and an end to discrimination.
"The goal of the march is just to bring visibility to the community. The injustice, the criminalization. We just want equality," said Naiymah Sanchez, Philly Trans March organizer.
"I figured out I was Trans when I was about 16, and I came out when I 17 and started living fully as a male at 17," said Damon Williams of Cherry Hill, N.J.
Now 18, Williams said his coming out experience was relatively easy because family and friends accept him. But he points out not everyone has it so easy.
March organizers said many Trans identifying people lack education, are homeless and struggle with drugs and alcohol.
"There are particular reasons on why they're doing this," said Sanchez. "A lot of individuals are thrown out their house because their family does not agree with their gender identity."
At the rally, some held signs with pictures of Keisha Jenkins, the transgender woman beaten and shot in the city's Logan section on Tuesday.
Police haven't said she was targeted because of her gender identity, but some said safety is a huge concern.
And while organizers push for more inclusive laws, they understand that's not enough.
"We can change policies and procedures, but we're working harder to try to change what I call the 'generational thought,' " said Sanchez.
"I'm hoping we can have more people be open about being Trans without being afraid," said Williams.
Advocates are commending City Council for a measure it took earlier this week.
The council passed an ordinance that would require all single-stall bathrooms in the city to be marked gender neutral, not men or women.
