On Sunday, at The Depot in Duluth, dozens of supporters gathered to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. International Transgender Day of Visibility is a day dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness surrounding the discrimination and hate aimed towards the community.

“This is celebrated all over the world, not just here in Duluth. And so, today’s date worked out with the depot, the 30th, so we’re a day early, but happy to be here welcoming and inviting folks in to just share on this really joyful day with us,” said Sean Hayes, co-founder and executive director of Trans Northland.

Hosted by Trans Northland, the event at the Depot brought together supporters from around the Northland looking to celebrate their differences and remember those who fought and are still fighting for equal rights.

“It’s just a day to really celebrate, highlight and honor those of us who are transgender or gender diverse in some way and really just showing the amazing brilliance, magic, love, care, support that we bring to the Northland,” said Hayes.

Community members came together to support each other, from making pins to offering free mom hugs for those in need. Michelle Asp and Kimberly Howard met as volunteers at the celebration, with both of them choosing to volunteer for similar reasons.

“As a mom and a parent, I feel like it’s important to know that kids who don’t get support from their families know that there are people in the community that will love them regardless because they are worthy of love and support. And sometimes they don’t get that at home. So, we come together as a community to show them that love and support,” said Asp.

Asp and Howard added that no matter what, there are people ready to share their love and support.

To learn more about Trans Northland and their efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community, click here.