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Today is International Trans Day of Visibility.

Members and supporters of the LGBTQ community march during the Pride in the Park event in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Saturday. Law enforcement said members of a far-right group were arrested for planning to riot near the march.
Jim Urquhart/NPR
Members and supporters of the LGBTQ community march during the Pride in the Park event in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Saturday. Law enforcement said members of a far-right group were arrested for planning to riot near the march.

Today (Friday) is International Trans Day of Visibility.

The annual event celebrates transgender people and raises awareness about the discrimination they face.

Michelle Jokisch Polo reports on a rally held at the state Capitol where LGBTQ people and allies demanded action from lawmakers.

Late Friday morning, dozens of young people carrying pride flags and signs decrying anti-trans violence gathered at the Capitol lawn. Twenty-year-old Lansing resident Cameron Carmichael organized the protest.

“I have hopes that there will be protections for trans kids. I was transgender in high school, I know what they're going through. I know the pain. And I just hope that they can be protected in any single way.”

Carmichael says they want Michigan legislators to pass laws to ensure school policies affirm students’ rights to be free from discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

In Michigan, two anti-trans bills have been introduced this session.  One would prevent trans kids from accessing school bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The other would classify gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth as child abuse.  

It is unlikely either would pass under the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

As WKAR's Bilingual Latinx Stories Reporter, Michelle reports in both English and Spanish on stories affecting Michigan's Latinx community. Michelle is also the voice of WKAR's weekend news programs.