The fourth annual Atlanta Pride Trans March steps off Saturday to raise awareness and visibility for the “T” in “LGBT.” Marchers gather at 1:15 p.m. at the Hospitality Center and step off at 1:45 p.m.

The Trans March was started to raise awareness and visibility for transgender and gender non-conforming people both inside and outside the queer community, says Jamie Green-Fergerson, Atlanta Pride’s board of directors vice chair.

“We march through the park as a statement that non-trans LGBTQ people also need to be aware of trans issues and that education needs to start inside our community,” she said. “The Trans March centers the experience of transgender and gender non-conforming people, but partners, parents, children and friends of marchers join us every year.”

New for this year is a particularly timely addition. Georgia Equality will speak to participants in the Trans March about voting resources specifically for transgender or gender non-conforming individuals. 

“We are very excited to have that partnership in such an important election year,” Green-Fergerson said. 

Sign-making materials for both the Trans March and the Dyke March are available near the Charles Allen Gate on Saturday.

Pride organizers are also planning a Dyke and Trans March dance party with DJ Speakerfoxxx after the Dyke March on Saturday evening.

About 150 people gathered for the Trans March in 2011 and Green-Fergerson would love to exceed those numbers this year. The event has grown every year since its inception.

The Trans March is sponsored by the Lloyd E. Russell Foundation.

Top photo: The Atlanta Pride Trans March goes through Piedmont Park to make transgender rights more visible to festival attendees. (by Dyana Bagby)