In honour of #TransDayofVisibility I stood in the house on March 26 to recognize Grit and Glitter events and the Trans performers that were part of the Transgender Day of Visibility drag show at the Kings Arms Commons in (correction) *Wolfville* that weekend. Here’s what I said:
Madame Speaker, to do drag has always required both a lot of glitter and a lot of grit. This is especially true for the trans drag performers who are putting themselves and their art out there amidst current anti-trans and anti-drag rhetoric, organizing, and policies. This Saturday, the trans-owned Glitter and Grit events will hold a Transgender Day of Visibility drag show at the Kings Arms *Commons in Wolfville*. This weekend’s show will spotlight trans performers and trans stories, and the organizers bill it as an opportunity for the public to “support and learn more about the trans community.” This weekend’s performers and organizers are taking centre stage at a time when it is not especially safe or comfortable to do so, and I am grateful to them. This morning, we raised the trans flag outside Province House in recognition of the Transgender Day of Visibility this coming Sunday, March 31st. We in this House owe it to all people putting themselves on the line, and all trans people in the province, to do everything we can to push back against the tide of anti-trans hate and policies and create a Nova Scotia that is truly safe, welcoming, and supportive of the transgender community.