It started as the Dyke March just six years ago and has transformed into something even bigger. By uniting members of the Trans community, when representation was lacking, the march has evolved.

Trans is an umbrella term used to describe all of the unique identities within the gender identity spectrum. They include, but are not limited to, transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, genderfluid, non-binary, genderless, agender, non-gendered, third gender, two-spirit, bigender, trans men, and trans women.

Calgary’s Dyke and Trans March (CDTM) is a social demonstration with the mission to empower both the lesbian and transgender community by building a more united community, according to event marketing and communications coordinator Gio Dolcecore.

"Our March remains grassroots, reflecting only the faces of our community to discourage common discourses such as stereotypes, discrimination, homophobia and transphobia," Dolcecore says. "We have incorporated more community engagement than in any other year, including collaborating with numerous agencies in the city offering services to the large queer community."

The Dyke March began six years ago as a standalone and merged into the Dyke and Trans march two years ago, at the request of the trans community.

"Since then, our mission has been to educate on the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. We have incorporated more community engagement than in any other year, including collaborating with numerous agencies in the city offering services to the large queer community."

We sat down with Dolcecore to talk about the upcoming event, trans rights and more. This is what  Dolcecore had to say.

GayCalgary: I know many say we have come a long way when it comes to acceptance, but obviously we still have a long way to go. How has this group been accepted by the community? Are there still local challenges?

GD: We collaborate well with multiple queer agencies and groups with mutual advocacy goals. There are many more changes in our city that are necessary: popular topics currently include inclusive washrooms and more safe spaces for people with various abilities to access. Our biggest mission this year was to create safe space for queer people of colour to discuss concerns and empower a new group for Calgary. CDTM’s advocacy mission remains to educate on how subtle forms of discrimination still exist and continue to segregate specific groups of people. Lastly, we always advocate for people of various abilities to have safe access to queer spaces.

GC: In your opinion, what is it like to be trans in the community, and why are these types of events so important?

GD: Transgender has many definitions, but CDTM continues to advocate for less binary control over gender expression. All people should freely enjoy the fluidity of femininity and masculinity, yet it seems living as a transgender person can become a battle of picking one or another. There is pressure to "pass" as man or woman, which truly causes greater concerns for those trying to find their authentic selves.

GC: Trans rights have been in the spotlight now more than ever; what is your take on what's happening all over North America when it comes to gender neutral issues, such as inclusive gender washrooms for example?

GD: We continue to advocate for better healthcare access and greater healthcare options, so that those who need and choose transitional options have the opportunity to do so. North America is one of the world’s leaders for transgender rights but, on a more micro level, we need to facilitate greater changes in our city to make life for transgender people easier. These include making washrooms accessible and allocating options of forms to include gender-neutral choices.

GC: Is there anything you want to add?

GD: The event is growing each and every year and that's because our community building is empowering more and more individuals. Our fundraiser event is on August 26^th  at Backwards Night Club at 7pm and we are hosting a Dirty Bingo event.