Small group gathered in downtown Truro’s Civic Square on March 30Published Mar 31, 2025 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 2 minute readPaula Whittaker spoke to the small crowd at the March 30 rally. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsTRURO – A group of about 30 gathered in downtown Truro’s Civic Square to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 30.The rally was organized by the Truro Pride Society ahead of the annual day of recognition on March 31.For Paula Whittaker, who spoke at the rally, the meaning of the day is in the name.“It means being visible,” said Whittaker. “It means being out there, being proud of who we are, proud of our community.”THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“Trans Day of Visibility is about … seeing the trans community for who they are and believing them and supporting them,” said Jillian Toonders, who was also at the event.Whittaker and Toonders are both board members of the Truro Pride Society. The Truro Pride Society is starting a new subcommittee called the Trans-Action Committee, focusing on transgender rights, education, and activism within Truro and Colchester County. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro News“As a board member, I step back and let our trans members take the forefront because it’s really about them and about letting everybody know that even within Truro, we have a trans community here,” continued Toonders.“They’re very strong, they’re amazing, and they need to be supported and seen.”RAISING AWARENESSNot only is it a time to celebrate the transgender community, but also to raise awareness of the discrimination that the community faces.“In this particular time, there seems to be a reason for us to have to speak up, and that’s what this is all about,” continued Whittaker.Federal minister Steven Guilbeault, who is responsible for the Department for Women and Gender Equality, released a statement on March 31.“Everyone deserves to live an authentic life, free from discrimination and harassment, whatever their gender identity or expression,” said Guilbeault in the release.Article content Pride flag flying in Truro. Photo by Lynn Curwin /Truro News“Yet transgender people continue to face this mistreatment and to suffer significant repercussions, especially on their mental health.”A 2019 report by Trans PULSE Canada found that rural-living transgender and non-binary people were less likely to have access to transgender and non-binary spaces than other participants, “despite the importance of community connectedness.”This report collected survey data from 2,873 transgender and non-binary people.The Truro Pride Society is starting a new subcommittee called the Trans-Action Committee focusing on transgender rights, education, and activism within Truro and Colchester County.An information session will be held on April 2 at 5:30 p.m.For more information, the society can be reached via email at info@truropride.ca.Article content
Truro Pride Society hosts rally for International Transgender Day of Visibility
