The Trans Day of Visibility is an annual event that has been celebrated internationally since 2009. Led by a joint initiative between Calgary Pride and the Trans Equality Society of Alberta (TESA), this year Calgary will host the province’s largest ever celebration of the day on March 31st, and will feature a keynote address from Minister of Justice Kathleen Ganley.

The highlight of the day will be a free event for all members, allies, and supporters of the trans community. Held in the heart of Calgary at the Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby in Arts Commons, it is an opportunity to celebrate the community, its individuals and accomplishments, and to increase visibility and awareness for the transgender and gender diverse communities.

Attendees will be joined by distinguished guests and community members for a cocktail reception and presentation, which will include speakers reflective of the diversity within the trans community. A keynote address will be given by Minister of Justice Kathleen Ganley, who recently championed Bill 7 in the provincial legislature to amend the Alberta Human Rights Act to include gender identity and expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination.

This visibility and celebration will extend far beyond the walls of Arts Commons, with several prominent landmarks in the city lighting up in the trans flag colours as a sign of support and solidarity. These include Arts Commons, the Glenbow Museum, Stephen Avenue, Telus Spark, and the Calgary Tower, amongst others.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi has also proclaimed March 31, 2016 as the Trans Day of Visibility for the City of Calgary. Within the proclamation, Mayor Nenshi notes that as "trans individuals experience discrimination at extremely high rates, and are often forced into isolation... because of who they are" that observing the Trans Day of Visibility serves to "raise awareness for the continued building of an inclusive and equitable society".

The event will be open to the public beginning at 6:30pm, with presentations beginning at 7:00pm.