Visibility and representation matters. 

Trans rights are human rights.

Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence that so many trans people face. 

Now, more than ever, it is essential for our LGBTQ+ community and allies to join together and support each other. 

US lawmakers continue to introduce bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community – and specifically transgender people – at rates on par with last year’s record numbers. Trans people are often being demonized and scapegoated in news and media, and the anti-trans rhetoric and misinformation that is being spread is extremely concerning and dangerous.

Trans people deserve to live long, healthy, happy lives free from discrimination and violence.

SIGN MAKING ON TUESDAY FROM 4-6PM AT THE YWCA GAZEBO

Sign making will take place on Tuesday, March 26 at 4:00pm at YWCA Gazebo located at 3094 Elua St behind the parking lot. Some materials will be provided, but feel free to bring as well.

Let’s come together to show our love and support for our trans community on Kauaʻi and beyond. Start making your signs now!  

9:00-10:00am Parade on Rice St (from Vidinha Stadium to Historic County Building Lawn)

10:00am-2:00pm Festival on the County Building Lawn

Trans Day of Visibility is a day to celebrate all Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming people around the world. On this day we bring awareness and celebration to the trans community while also recognizing the work ahead to accomplish trans justice.

We are thrilled to announce that Kumu Hina will be visiting Kaua'i soon and sharing her film, The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu, at three locations during the first weekend in March!

These screenings are FREE and open to the public! This 55-minute documentary film that incorporates clips from the 9-minute Kapaemahu animated film is told in 'Ōlelo Ni'ihau with English subtitles.

Screenings will take place in Līhu'e on Friday March 3 at the Kaua'i Philippine Cultural Center at 6:00pm, on Saturday March 4 at Waimea Theater at 11:00am in Waimea Town, and Saturday March 4 at Hale Halewai 'Ohana O Hanalei at 5:00pm in Hanalei.

Kumu Hina is eager to welcome you and will host a talk story with the audience after each screening. Please join us for an unforgettable weekend!

The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu:

"On Waikiki Beach stand four giant boulders placed as a tribute to the four legendary Māhū - individuals of dual male and female spirit - who brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii long ago. Although the stones have survived for centuries, their story has been hidden and the respected role of Māhū erased. The documentary uses rare archival materials, new historical findings, and vivid animation to trace the trail of post-colonial suppression and bring the unexpurgated story back to life."

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester's death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

"Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people -- sometimes in the most brutal ways possible -- it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice."
- Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Info from GLAAD

In honor of National Coming Out Day, KCC, YWCA & Māile Foundation are partnering to host a film screening of the new documentary The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu in the KCC Fine Arts Auditorium. Special guest and filmmaker Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu will be in attendance and will host a welcome and talk-story session with attendees.

This is a FREE event and open to the public.

Doors are at 6:00pm and the film will be at 7:00pm.