The Trans-Equality Society of Alberta (TESA) has a lot to celebrate. They just witnessed a hugely successful AGM – one that resulted in a fresh Board of new and returning faces with a renewed energy.
Because of this zest to advocate and celebrate all that is in the trans-identified world, TESA is presenting the first Trans-celebration of its kind in Calgary: TRANScend.
Brianne Langille, newly elected President of TESA is excited about TRANScend and what it means for the Calgary Trans community. Trans-rights have often been a forgotten sector of the queer community, and even more overlooked in the political scene. Langille is thrilled at where it is now.
"TESA is finally coming into its own. We are only a few years old and we have got a strong base and business model. We are really starting to have a positive effect on the community and we are bringing out more member support. We are being more supportive to Trans individuals as well as to government issues. We are continuing to speak at a lot of conferences and panels: we are educating the masses both queer and straight. It is time for Trans rights to start coming around and come into their own. Whether the government legislates those rights or not, we will take those rights and teach through advocacy and education."
TESA works as a voice for the Trans-community in Alberta. If you take a look at their Facebook page you will be educated on all current issues facing the Trans community. Their Board consists of members of all walks of life, all from different sectors of Alberta. Their only funding comes from TRANScend and membership fees.
The first annual TRANScend event will be held at the Auburn Saloon on Friday, May 11th. At a cost of only $5 per person, they have an exciting night of entertainment scheduled, with partial proceeds going to Gratitude, the queer history documentary currently in production.
"We hope to bring out a good portion of the Trans-community as well as our allies," Langille commented when asked about who she expects to attend. "This is an event for the Trans-community by the Trans-community, a first of its kind. All of our performers for TRANScend are Trans or Trans-friendly. These include the Backyard Betties, The Good Ole Boys, Avery Mitchell, and a few spoken word pieces from people within the Trans-community. This will be a celebratory event as opposed to a sombre moment. We need to put aside our issues for one night and truly celebrate the Trans identity in all of its forms."
Not only will there be a bevy of entertainment, but there will also be a raffle and silent auction with items from local organizations.
The response TESA has received is inspiring. Langille states, "We have gotten support for the queer community at large. A lot of organizations have stepped up to help us with raffle items, advertising, etc. It has really been awesome, and it is great that everyone else sees that it is about time to have this event, and supports us in doing so."
It is high time that we support all of our facets of the community. As Langille says, "You should come to have fun. This event is not solely for the Trans-community, we want allies to celebrate with as well, queer or not. The bottom line is, if the Trans community didn’t have allies we wouldn’t be where we are now, we would still be hiding."