Oshkosh Pride

Trans Day of Empowerment Teach-In Event

Who: Hosted by Oshkosh Pride, Sponsored by Hope Fridge

When: Thursday, May 9 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Where: Copper Hall Oshkosh, 203 Otter Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54901

What: This event will feature local speakers and community leaders coming together to celebrate the trans community, while also taking direct action against disinformation, harm, exclusion, legislative attacks, and violence against transgender youth and adults through education and community outreach.

Why: Positive, diverse visibility has the power to change lives, but visibility alone is not enough. Visibility demands safety, autonomy, inclusion, and respect. Anything less is dangerous, and often deadly.

Dehumanizing and exclusionary political rhetoric is one of the most dangerous threats to transgender, nonbinary, and other gender diverse people. It emboldens division and hatred by spreading lies and disinformation. It significantly undermines youth mental health and fuels harassment, bullying, assault, and other forms of violence. Anti-transgender rhetoric inspires legislative attacks on access to gender-affirming healthcare, bathroom facilities, library content, educational curriculum, and athletic team participation. It attracts hate groups and creates public safety threats that put entire communities at risk.

While we remain deeply disappointed in the Women’s Fund’s harmful decision to host a well-known anti-transgender activist as a keynote speaker, we are encouraged and uplifted by the show of sustained, active allyship from nearly every major LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the state of Wisconsin and over 200 community members and allies.

Joy, celebration, and solidarity are powerful forms of resistance and liberation, and that’s what this event is all about.

So, come join us for a day of listening, learning, sharing, and making new friends! This event is free of charge and open to all who respect and affirm transgender individuals. An optional donation of any amount to Oshkosh Pride is appreciated, but not required. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome and encouraged.

Event Guidelines:

Gender-neutral and handicap-accessible restrooms are available inside the venue.

Parking is available in the Copper Hall parking lot or nearby public parking areas. A wheelchair ramp is provided.

There is an outdoor patio and playground area, and free Wi-Fi service.

Folks may, but are not obligated, to bring a dish to pass.

Please keep all smoking, vaping, and tobacco products outside the facility.

Focus on educating, building awareness, and creating connections, not protesting.

We love Blahaj the Shark, but please leave them at home for this event.

Flags, banners, and creative, pro-LGBTQ+ signage are all welcome.

Volunteers are needed and welcome to keep this event safe, fun, and positive for everyone. If you’re available to help, please contact info@hopefridge.com.

Event Safety:

This event will be held on reserved, private property across from the Oshkosh Fire Department. It is still possible that anti-LGBTQ+ groups and individuals may attempt to disrupt this event. If this happens, notify event organizers immediately. Remain calm, peaceful, and do not engage.