Trans Day of Visibility 2026 events in New Westminster will be joyous celebrations — with some serious undertones.
Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31, aims to raise awareness about transgender people, to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, and to raise awareness about issues faced by the transgender people, including discrimination and violence.
Rapha Ferreira, president of the New West Pride Society, said this is the first year the society has hosted an event in recognition of Trans Day of Visibility.
“This is the first year that we were able access extra grant funding from the city so we could focus in on all year-round programming,” he said. “We were able to get that from the city — that’s why we are able to focus on being present every month.”
Ferreira said the society is pleased it’s able to commemorate Trans Day of Visibility.
“Not only because of the political situation right now, where we have a lot of politicians trying to get rid of the rights of trans people; saying that they don’t exist,” he said. “It is a way to celebrate their joy, their resilience, their brilliance. It is a way to show to people, hey: They are here, they exist and they are not going anywhere.”
A New West Pride news release stated Trans Day of Visibility is about being understood and having spaces where that is possible. The two events planned for this year are intended to offer different entry points into that experience, whether that’s through conversation, learning, performance or simply being present.
Events planned
New West Pride is hosting a market and a live music event in celebration of Trans Day of Visibility.
“They are very different,” Ferreira said. “Like every other community in New Westminster, it is a beautiful spectrum of personalities.”
Hosted by Justin Abit, the Visible AF Market & Workshop: Authentic & Fearless is taking place at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., on Monday, March 30 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The free, all-ages market includes a local makers/art market featuring queer-led artists and small businesses.
“We will have around 24 vendors. They are queer vendors and allies of ours,” Ferreira said. “We will also have face painting for kids, as well as a makeup tutorial workshop focusing on the trans femme community.”
Primp & Proper will lead the makeup tutorial that focuses on everyday techniques and self-expression. While it is designed with femmes in mind, it’s open to anyone curious to learn or experiment.
“This night is about access, exploration, and giving people room to try something new without pressure,” said a notice about the event.
Everyone is welcome.
A second event in celebration of Trans Day of Visibility — Visible AF: Live Music Celebration — is on Tuesday, March 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Bully’s Studios, 67 Sixth St. in New Westminster.
Hosted by Ra, a trans drag queen, the evening centres live music and performance, anchored by HouseGuest, an all-trans post-emo band that was a hit at last year’s New West Pride street festival. Admission to the live music celebration is free and it’s open to anyone aged 19 and older.
While the events are different, both aim to bring warmth, joy and a sense of celebration to New Westminster, Ferreira said.
“We can’t wait to see everyone there to celebrate and enjoy a good time,” he said. “We are going to have fun.”
City support
At city council’s March 30 meeting, Mayor Patrick Johnstone will proclaim March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility in New Westminster. The proclamation states:
- Transgender Day of Visibility is a day to celebrate the lives, contributions, and strength of transgender and non-binary people in our communities
- Transgender and non-binary people continue to face discrimination, exclusion, and barriers to safety, healthcare, and full participation in community life
- Transgender and non-binary youth are disproportionately impacted by isolation, bullying, and mental health challenges, and too many struggle to feel safe, seen, and valued for who they are
- The City of New Westminster is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive community where all people are recognized, respected, and able to live openly and authentically
New West Pride is grateful city council is issuing a proclamation for Transgender Day of Visibility, as it’s a reminder that the trans community needs the city’s support.
“For visibility it is very important,” Ferreira said. “We are all together and we will make sure to give voices to those that are not being heard.”
New Westminster resident Naomi Perks wrote to city hall asking the city to proclaim March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility and to illuminate city hall in pink, white, and blue in recognition of the day.
“Municipal leadership plays a powerful role in shaping whether people feel safe and included in their community. A proclamation and a visible gesture like lighting city hall sends a clear message: you are welcome here, you are valued, and you belong,” she said. “New Westminster has long been a city that values inclusion, diversity, and community care. Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility would be a meaningful and tangible way to live those values.”
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