In honor of the Transgender Day of Visibility, show your support for the trans community by joining us for a 5k fundraiser!
When: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Bacon Field House (indoor track), Freeman Athletic Center, Wesleyan University
Transgender visibility and joy are more important than ever as the U.S. becomes less and less safe for trans people. Last year, the ACLU tracked 616 anti-trans bills across the country, and they are already tracking 474 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in 2026, including a school sports ban introduced in Connecticut. You can help Middletown continue to be a safe place and celebrate the beauty and strength of the trans community, here at home and across the world, by walking or running with us.
- Everyone in the Wesleyan, Middletown, and surrounding communities is invited to participate!
- Kids and families are welcome.
- A 5k is 25 laps around the Bacon Field House indoor track at the Freeman Athletic Center.
- Register on site the morning of.
How you can support our community:
We are suggesting a donation of $10 which can be made with cash, check, or credit card to Middletown Pride at the event. Your support will help us continue offering program for our trans community members.
Middletown Pride clothing and memorabilia will also be available for purchase. Each purchase helps us meet our community’s needs.
We welcome other transgender focused non-profits to table at this event. Contact Middletown Pride to learn more about tabling at this event: lgbtqcommission@middletownct.gov.
🏳️⚧️Transgender Day of Visibility Panel🏳️🌈
Thursday, April 2nd, 4:30pm, Daniel Family Commons
Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) is a day to celebrate trans life, resilience, and joy and to name the very real challenges trans people continue to face. TDOV was created in 2009 to make space for celebration and community, not just remembrance. Join us for an honest, grounding conversation about what’s happening with trans rights locally and globally and what we can do, together.
Panelists:
- Bree Skowera (she/her) – Middletown Pride (website)
- KC Councilor (he/him) – author of Between You & Me: Transitional Comics (website)
- Bliss Kern (per/pers) – co-founder of Our Trans Life (website)
- Matthew Townley (they/them) – Wesleyan Class of 2028
Moderated by: Clare McCarthy (she/her) – activist + host of Transqat (website)
This space is open to Wesleyan students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Middletown community members. Come to learn, come to listen, come to show love, especially if you care about building a campus where trans people can be safe, supported, and fully seen.
Sponsored by: The Resource Center + Office for Equity & Inclusion
Questions? therc@wesleyan.edu