Trans Belonging at the Vancouver Dyke March

Our organization and our events welcome and celebrate all members of trans communities, including folks who identify as trans, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and non-binary. When we refer to trans folks broadly, we intend to include, not exclude anyone. We believe that trans folks are an integral part of dyke communities! 

Fighting for trans inclusion is one of our core values. Most dyke spaces have not historically had consensus around trans inclusion. The Vancouver Dyke March is committed to embracing different ways of being a part of the dyke community. We acknowledge the efforts and contributions of trans folks in our community that have made our March and Festival possible. We specifically work to create spaces for trans folks to feel celebrated and supported, and we support groups in Vancouver fighting for trans rights. 

We are committed to anti-oppression practices and ensuring the rights of trans folks are respected and protected within our organization and at our events.  

In practice, this includes:

• Artists and Performers:

1. Prioritizing space for trans performers and artists 

2. Ensuring pronouns are respected in announcements and other digital and media communications 

3. Requiring performers at our festival to commit to a trans-inclusive code of conduct before they are permitted to perform.

• Vendors and Organizations:

1. Requiring vendors at our festival to commit to a trans-inclusive code of conduct before they are permitted to set up on-site

2. Encouraging the participation of trans vendors and trans-inclusive organizations. This has included:

3. Highlighting these organizations as our Grand Marshals

4. Reducing or waiving fees for vendors when fees are a barrier  

• Volunteers:

1. Ensuring our trans and gender-inclusive policies are being followed 

2. Providing volunteers with de-escalation training and support for situations that may include reactionary counter-protestor presence or breaches of our participant code of conduct 

3. Requiring volunteers to commit to a trans-inclusive code of conduct before they are permitted to help at our event.

• Attendees:

1. Prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression. 

2. Setting expectations for event attendees in our code of conduct. 

3. Responding to issues raised by event attendees 

4. Clearly and emphatically communicating that our space is trans-inclusive.

• Bathrooms:

1. Ensuring that all event  washrooms have clear gender neutral signage

2. Assigning volunteers and safety marshalls to check-in on washrooms through the duration of our festivals

• Organizational Decision-making:

1. Requiring all board members to commit to a trans-inclusive code of conduct when they are elected.

2. Ensuring trans representation for board, volunteer, and other positions 

3. Committing to improve, make safer spaces, and uplift trans voices.

We are always trying to do better and, we appreciate constructive comments, suggestions, and critiques from members of our communities and invite you to contact us.