On Saturday, March 1, the Santa Barbara community is invited to stand in solidarity with a nationwide movement advocating for the rights and dignity of transgender people.

Organized by the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network (SBTAN), the Transgender Unity March and rally will start at noon at De La Guerra Plaza, 20 E. De la Guerra St.

“Across the country, transgender people are facing increasing threats, including policies that restrict access to healthcare, limit mobility, and endanger lives,” SBTAN said. “The Transgender Unity March is a direct response to this growing discrimination, offering a platform for voices to rise against these injustices and for the community to demand action.”

During the rally, organizers will outline specific policy measures Santa Barbara can implement to protect and uplift its transgender and gender-diverse residents.

After the gathering at De La Guerra Plaza, attendees will march down State Street to make their message visible. Following the march, participants are urged to reconvene for further discussion and community organizing efforts.

Attendees are welcome to bring signs and banners to amplify the rally’s message, SBTAN said.

For more about the Santa Barbara rally, visit https://SBTAN.org/rally or contact Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network at info@sbtan.org.