Trans Day of Visibility: why is it important? 🏳️⚧️
Transgender Day of Visibility happens on March 31 every year, but the amazing support for the trans community shouldn’t stop there! TDOV celebrates transgender and non-binary people, while importantly boosting awareness of the discrimination held against the community. So, let’s go over why TDOV is so important, and share some top tips with you wonderful allies.
The first TDOV was held on March 31, 2009, and was created by transgender activist Rachel Crandall. It was created as a day to celebrate the trans community, and as a separate event to Transgender Day of Remembrance, that although important, is a day for mourning the lost members of the community. There was frustration that there was not a positive day that acknowledged transgender people and celebrated our lives.
Visibility is essential for the trans community. It’s all about realistic and positive representation. TDOV provides an opportunity for people to learn more about how they can support the community and understand the hardships faced.
I’m sure you’re aware of the heightened negativity in media towards transgender people recently, particularly amidst the Gender Recognition Act reform in the UK, and various bills being proposed and passed in the USA that aim to restrict transgender (particularly trans youth) lives and access to healthcare more and more. This makes days like TDOV increasingly important, to showcase trans joy, raise awareness, and be visible.
Here’s a few things you can do to to support the community:
Share useful, insightful resources by/approved by trans people. ⭐️
Talk to your family and friends about it. Share positive and knowledgeable facts. 🧐
Take part in a pro-trans/LGBTQ+ rally. 🏳️⚧️
Soak up the information. Watch documentaries and read, read, read! 🤓
If you don’t know what pronouns to use, listen first. 👂
Respect their privacy. Don’t ask them anything you wouldn’t ask a cisgender person. 🤫
Support gender neutral public bathrooms! 🚾
Challenge anti-trans remarks (if you feel safe to do so!) 💁🏽♀️
Listen to transgender people. Jamie’s channel is a pretty good resource for this. 🫶
TDOV is incredibly positive, but let’s not condense the positivity into one day. We all know that transgender and non-binary people need the support all year round! We need to stand together, challenge the negative media, spread factual and insightful knowledge on social media, and raise awareness with friends and family.