Transgender Day of Visibility 2024

March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual day to celebrate transgender and gender expansive people, their achievements and their lived experiences, while raising awareness of the health and wellness issues transgender communities continue to face.

For us at Evergreen, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) doesn’t just mean taking a day to celebrate the many transgender and gender expansive patients we serve: it means taking action to improve the health, wellness and safety of transgender people across Western New York.

Trans health care is a human right, and we’re dedicated to expanding healthcare access and equity for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. Evergreen Health is here to support the health and well-being of transgender and gender expansive people with:

• trans-informed primary and specialty care
• trans-informed mental and behavioral health care
• transgender specialty care including hormone replacement therapy, chest/breast health exams, gynecology services, and referrals to gender-affirming surgeons
• legal help with name and gender marker changes
• HIV and STI prevention, testing and education

As always, caring for our patients’ health means caring for the patient as a whole person. To support our trans and gender-expansive patients’ emotional and social well-being, Evergreen’s affiliate the Pride Center of Western New York offers programs and groups created by and for our trans and gender expansive community, as well as a Cultural Competency training program to help allies better support the transgender people in their lives and communities.

While every program at the Pride Center is open to members of the transgender and gender expansive community, here are the programs specifically made to connect trans folks with community and support:

TransGeneration

TransGeneration, a three-tier program, encourages the exploration of gender in a positive and affirming environment. The TransGeneration support group meets monthly for discussion, friendship, social activities and connection.

• Under Construction is a group that centers on support for those at any stage in their transition who are seeking more support and guidance, including workshops on affordable gender affirming supplies, discussion on affirming sexual health, and more.
• Living the Experience is a group designed specifically for trans communities of color to come together in community and forge bonds through similar life experiences through an intersectional lens.

Transgender Youth Program

The Transgender Youth Program is a safe place for trans and gender expansive youth to access drop-in services, activities, and social connection in a safe and affirming environment. We offer groups for transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, gender expansive, and questioning youth, as well as groups for families and caretakers of TGNB kids.

We also offer one-one-one and family counseling, access to our regional transgender youth and families resource guide, and connections to trans-affirming medical, supportive and legal services.

Beyond the Binary

Beyond the Binary, one of the Pride Center’s newest groups, was created to give space for gender expansive people to come together in community and engage in a fun, creative, and affirming atmosphere. We meet monthly for discussion, friendship, social activities, and support.

Generation+

Generation+ is a safe, inclusive and celebratory space for transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth to build a network of community and support with their peers, guided by Pride Center staff with lived experience.

At Generation+, transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth:

• Connect and do activities with peers with shared experiences
• Access health resources and education
• Get connected to other local services and resources for TGNC youth

Generation+ meets at the same time as STYLE (Supporting Trans Youth Lives Everyday), a peer support group for the parents and caregivers of TGNC youth.

Parents and caregivers are invited to join us at STYLE while their youth attend Generation+.

STYLE (Supporting Transgender Youth Lives Everyday)

STYLE (Supporting Transgender Youth Lives Everyday) is a safe, inclusive learning space for the parents and caregivers of transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth to build a network of community and support with their peers, guided by Pride Center staff with lived experience.

At STYLE, parents and caregivers of transgender youth:

• Connect, learn and share with peers with shared experiences
• Access family health resources and education
• Get connected to local services and resources for TGNC youth and their families

To learn more about participating in any of the Pride Center’s groups, please see their Events Calendar or give them a follow on Instagram or Facebook.

LGBTQ+ Cultural Sensitivity Training

The Pride Center has recently updated their LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Training program with the goal of increasing the amount of LGBTQ+ affirming health care providers, businesses, academic institutions, government agencies and organizations throughout Western New York.

The curriculum includes the difference between gender, sex, & sexuality; why pronouns are an important part of respecting the TGNB community; and developing tools to have affirming interactions with the LGBTQ+ people that they serve.

To learn more about training or request a training, please visit pridecenterwny.org/WhatWereHereFor/Training.

Upcoming Pride Center events for the transgender community

LGBTQ+ Youth Spring Bling Dance

LGBTQ+ youth are invited to dance the night away with the Pride Center on Friday, April 5, from 6-9:30pm at AcQua Banquet Center. Click here to learn more and register for the free event.

Trans Empowerment Workshop

Empowering trans and gender expansive BIPOC to take hold of their health and wellness – join the Pride Center for a workshop with keynote speaker Jazell Barbie Royale on Saturday, April 13, 8:30am—5pm at the Evergreen Commons. Click here to learn more and register for the free event.