Videos: Trans Pride in Vancouver

by Charlie Smith on July 31st, 2011 at 10:18 AM

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On Friday night, I joined the Trans Pride march, which went down Davie Street and ended at Emery Barnes Park.

But yesterday, I was so busy filing stories about a trans teacher, a new mural in the Downtown Eastside, and the Powell Street festival that I ran out of time before I could post videos from the Trans Pride march.

So with no further ado, here is what it looked like.

The first features the organizer, Tami Starlight, who is a tireless advocate for trans rights.

Tami Starlight offers a blunt message at the Trans Pride march.

The other two videos tried to convey what it was like for those who didn't march in the event.

Comments

5 Comments

Patrick M

Jul 31, 2011 at 10:39am

kids are innocent victim of this trans and etc issue, do they have a choice ? if they knew better, they may not think the same. Stop teaching kids wrong perceptions. They are what we taught them, just like you are what you eat.

Tired of your Fear

Aug 1, 2011 at 9:33am

Patrick you are obviously not able to understand what children are able to grasp instantly, that this is a part of who we are as human beings. Did you know we all start out as females? Then inside the womb we get the hormone bath and we either stay female or become male. You were once a woman. Get over it.
You imply children are victims in this issue, but can you explain what they are victims of? Having their consciousness expanded? Learning that everyone one is ok and it is important to be yourself? That we should celebrate our differences? To not be afraid of opinions or ashamed of opinions of narrow minded fundamentalist sheep like you?
Obviously you have been fed lies and bullshit your entire life, because it shows in your opinion.

Badger

Aug 1, 2011 at 8:00pm

innocent victim? children are able to understand and be open minded to a lot of different things and aspects of life. its the homophobia/transphobia that can really be destructive to the learning and awareness that children get robbed of when living a sheltered life or being told that the way that they feel is 'wrong'. i truly enjoyed holding the banner during the march, coming from a small town, some small minded people and others are great friends/family. it takes a lot of bravery to put myself out there and theres many things i would like to come out of it but one message i would like to send out is that , its an amazing feeling gaining awareness about yourself and the safe,loving,caring community that you can create when your true to yourself about how you naturally feel about expressing yourself is beautiful!! i will say it again, 'to feel great for who i am whether anybody else likes it or not'.

Tami Starlight

Aug 2, 2011 at 10:01pm

Beautiful snap shot of what took place.
I have spoken more elequently - however, that was pretty good.
I did not even realize you were recording.
Was very tired - burnt.
Yet, of course, beyond grateful that I have the ability to do what I do.

I would like to add.
Trans people bring out the best and worst in this oppressive society. We are a lightening rod for those who are really lost spiritually, and so on. People who feel it is totally ok to oppress people who are, oh my = "different"?

What I did not say, that I meant to:
Was that "there are plenty of people who are not there because they are afraid. Afraid of how our society treats gender diversity and expression. Just look at the first comment here on this blog - by Patrick. Not only are trans people afraid to be "out" and "visible". They are afraid of losing their jobs, family, friends and lives by either their own hand or being murdered.

Thank you Charlie Smith for posting the story, and for your kind words.

Give me hope for another day on this 3rd rock from the sun.

Love and solidarity are not just words. LIVE EM!

Tami Starlight
http://transpridevancouver.wordpress.com
http://transactioncanada.wordpress.com
http://vancouvertdor.wordpress.com