HOLYOKE, MA – TRANScend Massachusetts, a groundbreaking documentary photography and narrative exhibition will open at the Holyoke Public Library on November 13, 2024, and run through December 20, 2024. The Grand Opening of the exhibition will be held on Wednesday, November 13th from 6:00-8:00pm (RSVP to the Grand Opening). 

Organized by Transcending Identities director Dr. Eunice Avilés Faría, PsyD, LMHC, LPC and Transhealth in Northampton, and funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, this exhibition aims to elevate the voices and experiences of Latinx transgender and gender-diverse individuals residing in Western Massachusetts, shedding light on their unique challenges and triumphs. 

WHO: Free and open to the public, donations accepted

WHERE:     Holyoke Public Library
250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA 01040  

WHEN: November 13 through December 20, 2024

“TRANScend Massachusetts aims to combat the discrimination and violence faced by our Latinx transgender and gender-diverse friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues by highlighting their contributions and humanity,” said Dr. Eunice Avilés Faría, PsyD, LMHC, LPC, founder of Transcending Identities and the creator of the exhibition. “By making the exhibition powerful and interactive, and by adding educational components, we hope to create a safe space where stories are shared, and meaningful conversations can flourish.” 

“One of the main reasons I am doing this, and I am putting myself through this pain, is for people to love their trans kids,” said TRANScend Massachusetts participant Chloe Estrella Soto. “It’s about loving your trans kids. Love them first.”

“With trans lives everywhere under threat, it is crucial that we fight back in ways that promote visibility, community, inclusivity, and justice,” said Joan Erwin (any pronouns), RN, BSN, CEO of Transhealth. “This powerful exhibition and the educational tools that accompany it are a big step towards promoting the kind of collective humanity, kindness, and understanding we need to see more of in these divisive times.”  

The exhibition is free and open to the public, encouraging schools, colleges, universities, and organizations to visit. No appointment is needed. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with extended narratives available on the TRANScend Massachusetts website, exploring the lives of the participants and their impact on society. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the following free public talks at the Holyoke Public Library: 

  • Gender Identity 101: Saturday, Nov. 23, 1:00 – 3:30pm                            
  • Families United by Diversity Support Group: Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:00-8:00pm
  • Q&A with the Exhibition Participants, followed by a guided exhibition tour, Bilingual event- English/Spanish: Saturday, Dec. 7, 1:00 – 3:30pm
  • Combatting Disinformation About Trans Healthcare: Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:00-8:00pm
  • The Power of Family Acceptance: Loving and Embracing our Transgender Children and Youth, Thursday, December 19th, 6-8pm         

For more information on these events and the exhibit as a whole, visit https://www.transcendexpo.com/. 

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TRANScend Massachusetts is an initiative dedicated to enhancing visibility and understanding of the Latinx transgender and gender-diverse community through storytelling and art. Through physical and online exhibits and educational programming, TRANScend Massachusetts seeks to foster inclusivity and respect by providing accurate information about this community.

Transcending Identities is an organization committed to improving the quality of life of those impacted by discrimination, including individuals with disabilities, racial and ethnic minoritized groups (REMGs), transgender, gender-diverse individuals, and those with variations of sex anatomy.

Transhealth is an independent and comprehensive healthcare center in Western Massachusetts that supports and empowers trans and gender-diverse individuals and families.