ATHENS, Ohio — Equitas Health will host its fourth annual Gender-Affirming Fall Fest on Friday, offering free health services, legal assistance, food, entertainment, and other resources for transgender, gender-expansive and nonbinary people.
New offerings this year include free binders through the clothing closet (while supplies last), hygiene pantry giveaways, and raffles. Community members and allies are welcome to attend at the Athens Community Center on East State Street from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 25.
Emilee Hemler, preventative health navigator at Equitas Health, told the Independent that most of the celebration will be held indoors this year to improve accessibility.
Organizers expect about 100 to 125 people to attend this year’s festival, along with approximately 20 community organizations and vendors, Hemler said.
The event, which began in 2023, has returning services including a free legal name change and gender marker clinic, gender-affirming haircuts, and medical services through the Equitas Health mobile health center. Attendees can also access free food from Happy Snacking Athens and Angry Black Chick Baking and Catering; a clothing closet, hygiene items, arts and crafts, music, and a photo booth.
Hemler said last year’s event saw its core services fully booked throughout the day.
“We were able to harness a real community and festive feel, which encouraged folks to hang out with us for the day and make meaningful connections,” Hemler said.
Live shows this Friday will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., featuring the returning Calliope Feminist Choir. Athens Drag Collective will perform for the first time this year, featuring several local drag performers.
Allies who want to “support and uplift trans folks in a meaningful way” are also invited to participate, Hemler said.
“The Gender-Affirming Fall Fest is dedicated to showering this community with love, support, and affirmation,” she said.
The fourth annual Gender-Affirming Fall Fest will be held Friday, Sept. 25. Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens.
