Each year on March 31, we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to honoring transgender identity, raising awareness of discrimination faced by the global trans community and recognizing the societal contributions of trans folks throughout history. Falling on the final day of Trans Week of Visibility and Action, TDOV provides an occasion to not only celebrate the expansive and beautiful tapestry of trans identity, but also to take action and fortify protections for trans individuals in your community and beyond.
Why we celebrate
In a year marked by a deluge of anti-LGBTQ+ and expressly anti-trans legislation and bigotry in the United States and beyond, it is crucial to observe this day with reverence and joy. As noted by the ACLU, “more than 400 bills have been introduced across the country attacking trans youth—from threatening to criminalize health care to investigating families for affirming their children to banning trans youth from school activities, these bills represent a threat to trans survival. Action in defense of trans lives now is an essential part of all movements for justice.”
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Take action
Trans people have always existed, across history and culture. It is our responsibility as members and allies of the queer community to carry the torch and remember those who came before us. Moreover, it is vitally important to take action beyond just this week.
Find the best ways to voice your support, provide financial funding and act to protect the trans community here.
As you take action, remember the trans icons throughout history who have blazed trails, from Eleanor Rykener and her uncovered story of trans identity in the 1300s to the oft-depicted French spy Chevalier d’Eon. Consider figures from the early 20th century, like Alan L. Hart, a pioneering radiologist and one of the first recorded trans men to receive gender-affirming surgery in the United States, or Lucy Hicks Anderson, a trans woman and marriage equality activist. Think of the trans protestors who fought for justice at Stonewall: Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and so many more.
Take cues from contemporary trans leaders, such as writer and activist Janet Mock, artist and speaker Alok Vaid-Menon and LGBTQ+ rights attorney Chase Strangio. Seek trans stories and joy. And do all that you can to provide hope and safety for the current and future generations of trans and nonbinary kids out there who need our love. Protect trans kids, today and always.
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