Mainstream Pride parades have often been criticized for centering cisgender, white, gay male aesthetics (think: shirtless muscle boys, corporate floats). In response, many trans-led Prides have emerged, such as the Trans Pride March (started in San Francisco in 2004) and movements to decriminalize sex work and end police brutality—issues that disproportionately affect trans women of color.

No honest discussion of the transgender community and LGBTQ culture can ignore internal conflict. For decades, some gay and lesbian spaces have been unwelcoming to trans people, often under the guise of "protecting women's spaces" or "same-sex attraction."

Despite historical tensions, LGBTQ culture would be unrecognizable without trans contributions. Consider the following pillars: