State College community members rally in support of trans rights on Day of Visibility
About 100 people gathered at the Allen Street gates Monday to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility, a national event that took on new meaning this year in the wake of federal action that seeks to roll back transgender rights and recognition.
The gathering was organized by Centre LGBT+ amid what board member and transgender woman Michel Lee Garrett said in a press release is “a moment of profound fear for transgender and nonbinary people.”
“Trans people deserve the same fundamental rights and freedoms as all people, and it has never been more important for our community and allies to come together to support transgender people,” Lee Garrett said.
In President Donald Trump’s first three months in office, he has issued executive orders saying the government will recognize only female and male sexes, banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth, has tried to remove transgender people from the military and more.
Those in attendance at Centre LGBT+’s nearly two-hour event Monday held signs with messages such as, “you are valid” and “protect trans kids,” and attendees signed advocacy letters to be sent to local politicians and UPMC.
State College Mayor Ezra Nanes spoke and read a statement from state Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township. State College, a trans sanctuary city, issued a proclamation for the Day of Visibility.
During the event, at least one person was in attendance with signs such as “children cannot consent to puberty blockers” and engaged in discussions with rally attendees.
After the crowd gathered with Centre LGBT+ had mostly dissipated Monday, another, smaller group formed after Central PA Trans United posted on social media about the event to “organize to fight back against anti-trans legislation and oppression.”
For about 30 minutes, more than two dozen people marched through downtown State College, blocking traffic. On Beaver Avenue, drivers attempting to get through blocked and yelled at the group, with one driver exiting a vehicle to confront marchers.
There was no police presence during the march, which appeared to end without incident at the State College Municipal Building.
This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 9:43 PM.
