LAKEWOOD, Ohio — As the wind whipped up in Lakewood Park, it fluttered the transgender pride flags while people marched.
"There's so much negativity going towards trans and queer youth and adults even and we're just trying to combat that negativity and bring some good," Kayla Velazquez said.
Several dozen people showed up for Transgender Day of Visibility. Since 2010, it's a day meant to celebrate the trans community, but has also become a call for activism for trans rights. There were rallies marking Transgender Day of Visibility all across the nation.
"Sometimes I feel like the best reminder is that our community will take care of each other, no matter what happens, so that's what I'm trying to take away from today," Hannah Dieter said.
Here in this park, it's also a time of unity. It's a chance to see and meet other people fighting for a common cause, including State Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), who had this to say about the more than 400 pieces of legislation that have already been introduced in 2023 according to the Human Rights Campaign.
"I want kids to see that not all adults are misguided and hateful, that we love and embrace them. We want them to be their authentic selves and we support them living their authentic lives." Antonio said.
They come here with a hope that the spirit of the day carries on throughout the year.
"I didn't expect this turnout and the fact that everyone took this time out of their busy Fridays to be here, it means a lot," Velazquez said.