2nd annual fest offers safe space, resources, performers
Toledo – A two-part event this weekend will celebrate Toledo’s transgender community while providing its members with resources and a safe space to convene.
The second annual Trans and Thriving Festival will be from 1-6 p.m. on Saturday at the Market on the Green near Downtown in Toledo. The event is hosted by Equality Toledo, TransToledo and Holier Toledo, each involved in the region’s LGBTQIA+ community.
“This free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, vendors and drag entertainment that everyone can enjoy,” the trio of organizers stated in a release. “The festival will also include opportunities to connect with others and engage in meaningful conversations about trans experiences.”
The three groups also are hosting a kick-off party from 7-9 p.m. on Friday at Equality Toledo’s new office, 1301 Jefferson St. in Toledo, and shares space with TransToledo.
The organizers said in a press release that attendees will have the chance to create art, engage in casual conversations, and explore the new space at Equality Toledo, all while connecting with like-minded individuals. This event is free, with all materials provided, and donations are welcome.
TransToledo president Rob Hillier and Caitlin Saryia Williams, of Holier Toledo, a body piercing exclusive studio, said this festival builds off last year’s inaugural one, which drew about 500 people. Williams said organizers hope for a turnout of 1,000 this weekend.
Hillier said the festival will include resources available to the trans community. Representatives of Planned Parenthood and doctors supportive of the community will attend.
“A lot of people have rejected people like me,” said Hillier, who notes he underwent treatments to grow a beard and deepen his voice.
“TransToledo is a group of trans folks of all different looks and backgrounds,” he said. “We take pride in giving to the community and providing resources to trans people.”
A service it offers is a quarterly clothing exchange to provide clothes to those who have transitioned or are transitioning. He said the new office space shared with Equality Toledo will allow TransToledo to provide more services and events.
“It’s important, especially for younger people, to be aware of the gender-affirming care that’s available to them,” Williams said. “Whatever gender they’re transitioning to, there are resources for them to be more comfortable.”
She began her piercing studio – a play off “Holy Toledo” and referring to the holes created by body piercings – to provide a safe space for everyone, especially women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“My biggest thing is showing people I’m a safe person,” said Williams, who added she was created through artificial insemination to two gay women and is bisexual. “I’ve been around gay people my entire life. I just want to give back to the community. It’s important that everyone gets basic respect even if they’re different than you.”
Speaking about the festival, Hillier said, “We want to let trans people know people care and want to help. Trans people have existed, do exist and always will exist. The more that people learn and accept us the easier it will be for all of us to live in harmony.”
