Trans Day of Visibility takes place every 31st March. It marks a time to celebrate trans and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the community worldwide.
It also provides an opportunity for trans and non-binary people to feel seen through positive and realistic representation – and for allies to learn more about how they can stand in
solidarity.
Visibility is crucial. Without exposure to others who think, feel, and live in a similar way to us – especially for those who exist outside of society’s norms – we can feel lost and alone. Visibility allows community to bloom.
The event was created by transgender activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker in 2009 as a
reaction to the lack of LGBTQ+ recognition of transgender people, citing the frustration that
the only well-known transgender-centred day was the Transgender Day of Remembrance,
which mourned the deaths of transgender people across the world from violence, but did not acknowledge and celebrate living members of the transgender community.
The date wasn’t significant as much as it was convenient. It was far enough away from TDOR in November and Pride Month in June that it wouldn’t conflict with either. This proves how important it is that trans recognition and representation isn’t lost in the crowd of Pride Month, and that every community is represented and respected equally and separately from
each other.
Every major LGBTQ+ rights organization recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility with
community gatherings, panels, and celebrations. Recent news highlights the difficulties and discrimination trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people experience every day:
Texas declaring parents who provide gender-affirming care to their children are committing child abuse.
A slate of proposed bills that prohibits schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity.
Attempts to prevent trans youth from participating in sports or even safely using a bathroom.
Regular reports of the murders of transgender people (especially trans women of colour)
“Transgender Day of Visibility is a spark of hope,” said Nia Clark, a Black trans woman. “It’s
just signalling to others that we are here and there are more than just one of you … that
there are resources out there, that there are people in existence who are just like you.”
Written by Sam W (An SYP Bournemouth young person)
