On Saturday, March 15, at KLAP Maison pour la danse in Marseille, the company Cie Essevesse presented the European project TRANScenDANCE as part of the +DE GENRES Festival. The event brought together artists, performers, and industry professionals to discuss how to make European cultural spaces more inclusive and accessible for trans and non-binary people.

The testimonies highlighted the difficulties trans individuals face in the arts sector, from exclusion in institutional settings to casting choices based on gender stereotypes. The discussion emphasized the need for safe and financially accessible spaces where trans people can express themselves freely, without having to justify their presence or educate others.

The conversation shed light on the persistence of gender stereotypes in dance and the arts, such as the notion that “women are fragile and men are strong.” These biases influence professional opportunities and overlook the fact that physical strength is not tied to gender. The discussion reinforced the idea that such divisions are social constructs that need to be dismantled.

A key focus of the event was language: the incorrect use of pronouns or inappropriate expressions can lead to exclusion. Participants discussed ways to avoid binary divisions in artistic and cultural contexts and stressed the importance of always asking for a person’s pronouns, regardless of their appearance.

The meeting concluded with an invitation to continue the dialogue and take part in upcoming TRANScenDANCE events.

The event underscored the urgency of cultural change—not only for trans and non-binary individuals but for society as a whole. Inclusivity is not the sole responsibility of minorities; it requires collective commitment and the support of everyone.

Only through open and respectful dialogue can we create an artistic world that is truly inclusive and representative of all identities.