5th annual march celebrates progress, remembers tragic loss in Philly’s transgender community

The fifth annual Philly Trans* March came days after the murder of transgender woman Keisha Jenkins in North Philadelphia.

Jenkins is one of 21 murdered transgender women of color who were remembered at the event with a moment of silence. Their names were written in chalk on the pavement at Thomas Paine Plaza, where a crowd of about 500 rallied before the march through Center City.

Co-organizer Deja Alvarez told the crowd she hopes their support is also there in moments of triumph, and not just when tragedy strikes.

Mayoral candidate Jim Kenney said, “It’s disgraceful people are being fired, killed, beaten in this country, for who they are.”  Its important for elected officials to support the entire community, he added.

Before the march, attendees heard speeches from activists Octavia Lewis and Shane Noah Rubin. Others received awards for their work in the community. The crowd then marched through Center City.