Duluth Celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility at The Depot

Trans Northland held its annual event to support the local LGBTQ+ community.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus scene depicting a crowd of people gathered in a warm, dimly lit indoor space, with blurred figures and shapes in shades of pink, purple, and blue, conceptually representing the inclusive and celebratory atmosphere of the event.The vibrant celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility brought the Duluth community together in a colorful display of support and solidarity.Duluth Today

Hundreds of people gathered at The Depot in Duluth, Minnesota on Sunday to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. The event, organized by the non-profit Trans Northland, featured local vendors, free resources, and an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and show support.

Why it matters

Events like this are crucial for the transgender community to feel seen, supported, and celebrated as part of the larger community. Transgender individuals often face discrimination and barriers to accessing healthcare and other essential services, so having a space to connect and thrive is important.

The details

The event featured local vendors giving away free stickers, informational sheets, and even free hugs. Organizations like Black Boots Twin Ports provided potentially life-saving tools such as condoms, HIV tests, and Narcan. It also gave LGBTQ+ businesses a platform to showcase their work, including an artist who was finally able to sell their art and make a profit.

  • The event took place on Sunday, March 31, 2026 to coincide with International Transgender Day of Visibility.

The players

Trans Northland

A non-profit organization that provides resources and support to the transgender community in the Duluth area.

Nik Johnson

The Secretary on the Board of Directors for Trans Northland, who spoke about the importance of the event for the trans community.

Riley Barka

The Director of Community Health at a local hospital, who discussed the need to support the LGBTQ+ community, especially in times of crisis.

Cat Law

A student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, who spoke about the event providing a platform for LGBTQ+ businesses and artists.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think it's extremely crucial for us to have events like this and have people show up in support to show that trans people are here. We are important.”

— Nik Johnson, Secretary on the Board of Directors, Trans Northland

“As a trans man, I think it's super important to have people show up and support these events and just see us and participate and just know that we're just members of your community that want to thrive and be loved like everybody else.”

— Nik Johnson, Secretary on the Board of Directors, Trans Northland

“I'm a nurse in the ICU here in Duluth, and I see overdoses all the time. I see people who are facing all kinds of disparities and inability to access healthcare and supplies come in almost on a daily basis, so our trans community, being able to support them as part of the LGBTQ+ community, really in times like right now we have to support each other as best we can.”

— Riley Barka, Director of Community Health

“My partner's always been an artist, and they're finally getting to sell their art and try to make a profit with it and stuff like that, which is something that they've wanted to do for a long time. I think it's really cool that they're able to do it in an area that supports them and who they are.”

— Cat Law, Student, University of Minnesota Duluth

The takeaway

Events like the International Transgender Day of Visibility celebration in Duluth provide a vital platform for the LGBTQ+ community to come together, support one another, and showcase their talents and businesses in a welcoming environment. These gatherings help to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance that is crucial for the well-being and empowerment of transgender individuals.