Trans Day of Visibility is celebrated every year on March 31. Trans Day of Visibility is a day to celebrate the contributions and further increase representation of Trans, non-binary, and genderfluid/queer folks in all areas of society around the world. The first celebration was in 2009 and was created as a counterpoint to Trans Day of Remembrance, which was specifically to honor those Trans folks who had been murdered. The founder of Trans Day of Visibility was Rachel Crandall of Michigan, a Trans activist. The Trans Student Educational Resource, a youth advocacy group, has spearheaded the celebration every year since.
Why is Trans Day of Visibility Needed?
Trans Day of Visibility invites Trans folks of all types—transgender, non-binary (NB), or genderqueer/fluid - to celebrate themselves, each other, and use the opportunity to push for more equal rights, treatment, and access to services in their cities, states, and countries. Trans Day of Visibility also raises awareness of these issues locally and around the world, where either being Transgender or gender-diverse, or accessing and receiving gender-affirming care and support is illegal and/or punishable. In particular, Trans folks of color experience a higher rate of homelessness, health issues, and are targeted by violence more than white Trans folks. For many Trans and non-binary folks, seeing good representation in real life, on the page, or on screen is an important source of support.
It's important because according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 2% of high school students identify as transgender. Applied to all youth, there are at least 1.3 million+ trans youth (ages 0-17). Representation and affirming support are vital to our trans youth to not only survive but to hopefully thrive into adulthood.
According to HRC, more than 290 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across 33 states in 2021, including more than 140 specifically anti-transgender bills. By the end of 2021, 25 of these bills were enacted, 13 of which targeted transgender youth. Currently, in 2022, over 137 pieces of anti-trans legislation have been introduced across the country.
How Can I Show Support for the Trans Community?
Supporting the Trans community can come in a variety of ways! Being an ally means listening, supporting, and lifting up Trans voices and stories. Education and empathy can be built by experiencing the variety of Trans experiences through story. For parents of trans or gender-diverse children, check out our book list to help support both you and your child. Stories featuring trans, non-binary, and genderfluid/queer stories and characters are also found in many of our staff picks:
It means supporting and pushing for equal rights to life and health under the law for Trans folks. Putting your voice into donations to local and national organizations working for the protection of Trans and gender-diverse folks. Check out our list of LGBTQIA+ Organizations and Resources!
Also, recognize that you will make mistakes and that's okay. Be open to the growth that comes from that mistake to do and be better. If you do make a mistake, simply apologize and thank the person for correcting you, correct and move on. Start from a place of compassion and respect and you’ll figure it out.
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