We honor and celebrate our transgender community

March 31, 2021 Geoff Peckman 2 min read

Each year, the last day of March marks the International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV).

This event is an annual awareness day celebrating the resilience and accomplishments of transgender and gender non-conforming people while bringing attention to the importance of transgender rights around the world. Founded in 2009 by trans activist Rachel Crandall, TDoV was inspired by the fact that no holiday existed that was dedicated to acknowledging the achievements and contributions of transgender people. At that time, the only well known transgender-centric commemorative occasion was the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which mourns those trans folx we have lost to violence and hate.

Show Your Support

This March 31st, here are 5 things we can all do, or NOT do, to be more supportive of people in the trans community:

Learn about trans history. Did you know that trans women of color were at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots? Trans history is full of interesting facts and events! There is a reading group called Queer Community Book Club that is currently reading “Transgender History” by Susan Stryker. Join the club and find out more here.
Support trans-led organizations. With less than 10 percent of grants received by LGBTQ+ organizations going to trans-led ones, many of these institutions depend on donations from people like you. Find organizations run by trans folx to support in your community.
Don’t out your trans friends. It may be Transgender Day of Visibility, but sometimes trans folx don’t want to be or aren’t safe being visible. Always ask someone first!
Don’t perpetuate transmisogyny. Do what you can to make sure women’s spaces are inclusive of trans women. Whether it’s at a women’s college, party, or music event, trans women are women and deserve to be part of these spaces.
Don’t assume you know someone’s pronouns by their appearance. Share your pronouns and ask people for theirs. Be respectful and use them appropriately. And if you get it wrong, simply apologize and move on. For more on pronouns, check out Queery’s Pronoun Document as well as getting involved in the Queery Pronoun Challenge.

This March 31st, celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility by raising awareness of the discrimination faced by transgender people everywhere, but also by honoring trans individuals and their contributions to a better world.