Dozens of people gathered Tuesday evening at the Allen Street Gates for the annual Transgender Day of Visibility rally, hosted by Centre LGBT+.
Transgender Day of Visibility is an international observance started in 2010 that seeks to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the discrimination and violence the trans community faces.
The State College rally, Centre LGBT+ wrote in a press release, aimed to “nourish resilience among the local trans community and allies, confront the truth of trans genocide being perpetrated through anti-trans laws around the country, and provide actions that allies can take to urge public officials to act to defend trans people in this time of profound persecution.”
Several in attendance spoke about their journeys and how to continue to support the trans community, and petitions to protect trans rights were available for attendees to sign.
Speakers included State College Mayor Ezra Nanes and State Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township. Takac spoke about his House Bill 2199, which would amend the Public School Code of 1949 to provide for policy against gender-based bullying.
Below are scenes from the rally:
A crowd gathered at the Allen Street Gates for the Transgender Day of Visibility rally hosted by Centre LGBT+ on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
A crowd gathered at the Allen Street Gates for the Transgender Day of Visibility rally hosted by Centre LGBT+ on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Centre LGBT+ board chair Michel Lee Garrett speaks during the Transgender Day of Visibility rally on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
A crowd gathered at the Allen Street Gates for the Transgender Day of Visibility rally hosted by the Centre LGBT+ on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Sophie Kandler talks about a mentor and being stronger together during the Transgender Day of Visibility rally hosted by Centre LGBT+ on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Several church groups were part of the crowd at the Transgender Day of Visibility rally hosted by Centre LGBT+ on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the Allen Street gates. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
A crowd gathered at the Allen Street Gates for the Transgender Day of Visibility rally hosted by Centre LGBT+ on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
People scan QR codes to sign petitions to protect trans rights during the Transgender Day of Visibility rally hosted by Centre LGBT+ on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
State Rep. Paul Takac speaks during the Transgender Day of Visibility rally about the bill he proposed on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
