Equity Is Special Episode- The 2nd Annual Trans Remembrance Coffee House and Open Mic- Equity Is Episode 9

On November 16th, in honor of Trans Day of Remembrance, The School District of Philadelphia hosted its second annual Trans Day of Remembrance Coffee House and Open Mic. This was an event about balance sadness and joy. To honor those trans lives that were lost this year, while also bring joy and community together for folks to share their voices in a warm and loving environment. There was a candle light vigil as well as an open mic in which students, staff, families, and community members were able to sing, dance, read, and showcase their talents. Performances were not recorded but we hear from event organizers and from those who wanted to remind us about trans joy, visibility, and ally-ship. 

Community Organizations tabled the event to let attendees know the services they offer. You can find their information below:

Galaei- Galaei is a Queer and Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) radical social justice organization. Continuing to serve the Latinx community, while widening our embrace, Galaei provides and facilitates Queer educational services, community wellness, and is committed to healing historical harm. Galaei is dedicated to creating access, opportunities, sexual empowerment, and economic development for all QTBIPOC individuals while fighting systemic oppression, structural racism, discrimination, and white supremacy.

PASH- Promoting Adolescent Student Health (PASH) is the HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy prevention program at the School District of Philadelphia. PASH provides access to evidence-based curriculum, technical assistance, workshops, and professional development to students, teachers, staff and parents on topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention, safer sex, LGBTQ+ support, healthy relationships, parent/child communication and peer mediation.

Mazzoni Center- To provide quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals we serve.

GLSEN- GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.

Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness- We work to reduce and remove educational barriers for youth experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. If your living situation is in transition, our office is here to help you.

William Way- We seek to engage and support the diverse LGBTQIA+ communities in the greater Philadelphia area through arts & culture, empowerment, and community connections.

KCAPA GSA- Official Instagram for the Kensington CAPA GSA 

*Transcript Coming Soon*

Equity Is is a podcast from the School District of Philadelphia's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This podcast is about cultivating prosperity and liberation for students and staff. We do this by showcasing and debriefing on  the great equity work that is being done throughout The School District of Philadelphia community. With each episode, we hope to cover topics that will create pathways for marginalized populations in our District, by removing barriers, increasing access and inclusion, building trust, and creating a shared culture of social responsibility and organizational accountability.

Our music is from Rock to the Future, a free music program for Philadelphia Students.