The Kent State LGBTQ+ Center’s celebration allowed transgender people to share their experiences for Trans Day of Visibility.    

Erica Pelz, a facilities mechanical systems specialist for laboratories, celebrated her transition and her life as a trans woman. 

“I wish we had more and more days like this,” Pelz said. “Days where we can get together and just celebrate something that should be normalized.” 

Pelz said she came out as trans in the late ‘90s and, growing up, thought she could never have the same benefits that trans people have today. 

Rachel Crandall Crocker, a psychotherapist and transgender activist, founded Trans Day of Visibility in 2010 due to the lack of LGBTQ+ recognition of transgender people in the community. 

Crocker said the only other well-known transgender-centered day is Transgender Day of Remembrance, which remembers transgender people who were murdered. 

By sharing her journey, Pelz said she wants to be a role model and help support transgender youth. 

“Don’t compare yourself to others, be yourself and enjoy yourself for who you are” Pelz said. “You’re always welcome to the little community we find ourselves in here today.”

As this year’s Trans Day of Visibility passes, the hopes of acceptance for the trans community remain in the minds of many.

“I hope as the years go by more spaces can open up to help and give support to transgender people of all kinds,” Pelz said.

Ruby Rainey is a reporter. Contact them at [email protected].