First annual Trans Day of Visibility gathering on Orcas draws big crowd

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, April 9, 2025

When Joy Hughes, a transgender woman and activist, approached Orcas Pride about holding an event on Trans Day of Visibility, volunteers enthusiastically joined to organize the first annual get-together.

“In a time when transgender rights are under attack, we want to show the community that we have always been here, and we will not be erased,” said Hughes, who also spoke at the gathering on March 31.

The International Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates those who do not identify with the gender that is typically associated with their sex assigned at birth, including trans men, trans women and non-binary people, and raises awareness of discrimination. More than 1.5 million people in the United States are trans, and one in five adults knows someone who uses non-binary pronouns. The first Trans Day of Visibility was held in 2009.

Launched in 2019, Orcas Pride now has nonprofit status, and volunteers are focusing on organizing year-round LGBTQIA+ events in addition to those held in June, which is Pride Month.

“Our goal is collaboration, community building and inter-generational bonding,” stated the board. “We are also looking at getting support at the institutional state level, like from the Washington LGBTQ Commission and San Juan County, especially since the federal government is not supportive.”

Around 60 people — of all ages and all identities — came to the Orcas Library on March 31. Attendees listened to speakers, live poetry and music, ate refreshments and watched the film “Disclosure,” starring Laverne Cox, about the presence of transgender people in Hollywood.

Anti-trans bills continue to be introduced across the country. This legislation seeks to block trans people from receiving basic health care, education, legal recognition and the right to exist publicly. There are currently 830 bills under consideration in 49 states. A total of 48 have passed; 43 have failed and 739 are active.

The mission of Orcas Pride is to foster community resilience and nuture connection, education and support for rural queer, trans, intersecting and allied communities in the San Juan Islands and beyond. A subcommittee has tackled the need for safety protocols, particularly as anti-queer sentiments are taking hold nationwide.

For years, event flyers have been ripped down from community bulletin boards, and before the Trans Day of Visibility, a smattering of hate speech appeared on Orcas Pride’s social media and was sent directly to organizers. On San Juan Island, protesters have shown up at pride events.

A call was made for community members to provide security, and more than a dozen people showed up. To everyone’s relief, the festivities proceeded without incident. In the long term, the goal is to create an Orcas Pride safety team trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation, CPR and first aid, bystander intervention, and more to be present at future gatherings on all islands.

Upcoming Orcas Pride events

Silenced no more: Island voices near and far

Thursday, April 10 at 5 p.m., Orcas Library. A story-sharing series that reflects on the lives of LGBTQ+ islanders — create in community; record personal lore; discover local tales. Pizza provided. The event is a collaboration between Orcas Pride, the library and the Orcas Island Historical Museum. The project is made possible by the Office of the Secretary of State through the Washington State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Drag bingo

Sunday, April 13, 1-3 p.m. at Odd Fellows Hall. Come for an afternoon of drag and bingo.

Silent auction

Sunday, April 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the The Madrona Room at the Orcas Center. Orcas Pride is hosting its first Silent Auction. Enjoy live music and refreshments while you shop the selections.

Queer New Year

May 30 to June 1. Save the date for the “big” event. Come for a weekend of drag, queer love and more!