Since 2012, the Trans 100 Gala, which celebrates trans advocates from across the country, has cemented Chicago’s position as a mecca for transgender culture.
Now Lana Wachowski, who co-wrote and directed The Matrix trilogy and Jupiter Ascending (opening Friday), has been announced as one of the keynote speakers for this year’s event at the Mayne Stage.
Wachowski, who has been honored previously on the Trans 100 list, has spoken publicly just a handful of times about her experience as a transgender woman. In 2012, she delivered a moving speech at a Human Rights Campaign event after receiving the Invisibility Award, opening up about her coming out story.
She can expect to address a full house during the Trans 100 Gala, scheduled for March 29: The Mayne Stage has been packed to capacity the past two years. The event will also stream online.
Last year, Orange is the New Black’s Laverne Cox highlighted Chicago’s thriving transgender community during her keynote.
“The sense of community and authentic love and support that seems to be happening here in Chicago is something that I’ve never seen, and I’ve been all over the country,” Cox said in her speech.
For tickets or more information, visit thetrans100.com.