TransFest was set to take place in August. But what was meant to become a yearly celebration of trans lives quickly became unsafe, with some individuals’ behaviour choosing profit over people.
As a person who had plans to help TransFest take flight with CCSS Pride in tow, I have insight that should be shared as it is a warning in making sure your community is heard and supported. I take passing knowledge from myself to others seriously as this had everything to do with safety, and concerns not being heard and respected.
From the beginning it was overwhelming to work with an individual who was set on money making and being a bit smug of copying others’ work. Other trans-focused events around the world existed, but to Victoria it was one of a kind.
When recognizing that there would be no space to plan fundraising, transparent donation tracking, and hiring of techs, it was a hard decision to step back and hold my breath and hope that this event could happen for the sake of community.
As the days passed, it seemed to gain some traction and was quickly becoming well-funded. With the help of the District of Saanich, local stores, vendors, and volunteers that unwittingly fell into the trap of perpetual run-around it seemed like the event stood a chance.
As the lineup of performers, poets, comedians, and musicians were announced, it became abundantly clear that the idea of keeping it local and BIPOC-focused and -supportive had been thrown out the window. The whitewash casting had taken hold, drag performers hired from the start were being pushed out, and there was a minimal chance that the founder, Francis Riley, would change her mind.
Then a cryptic post by volunteers who decided to leave just days before ended up on the TransFest Instagram. It highlighted that someone who was to be making a speech at the festival was not someone that would be seen as welcome.
UVic Transgender Studies chair Aaron Devor was invited to make a speech along with politicians who had tables at the event. It was stated to myself that the tables were for vendors, people who offer safety and education, and community outreach for trans individuals in need of support, not politicians.
The comment section was immediately flooded by 2SLGBTQIA+ community members who voiced concern over the clear contradiction of what the event stood for. Others voiced that with the genocide currently ongoing in Palestine, someone who has been accused of being a Zionist and whose wife has shared transphobic views online should not be given a platform to spew fake words of support (on April 2, 2024, she tweeted that “What is going on in sports now is a travesty of inclusion, and is causing good will towards gender variance to evaporate.”)
Comments were ignored and deleted. People were given no explanation of why this had come to be. Saanich was quick to pull permits due to the safety of those attending and not being supportive of this behaviour. A pro-Palestine protest was planned. The event was quickly cancelled. Sponsors and vendors are waiting on refunds. The community has been endangered as the fest’s website kept IP addresses and the information of those who donated.
Be safe out there, trust your gut, and free Palestine. We are not free until all are free.