Honoring Trans Day Of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), also known as Trans Day of Visibility, can serve as an opportunity to honor trans people in your community and life. If you are transgender, gender non-conforming, or non-binary, there are several ways you can find support and celebrate your identity. For compassionate mental health support, consider connecting with a licensed therapist in person or online.

Transgender Day of Visibility generally occurs on March 31st worldwide and raises awareness about transgender people, as well as draws attention to the accomplishments of these individuals. TDOV is a federally recognized day to honor trans people and stand up for their rights. As LGBTQIA+ people often face significant discrimination, it can be essential to educate yourself on what being trans means and to avoid misconceptions and hidden forms of oppression.

History and creation

International Transgender Day of Visibility was created in 2010 by Rachel Crandall, a trans advocate. 

Rachel is the head of Transgender Michigan, an organization working to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ rights in the state of Michigan. The day is key for drawing attention to statistics on violence and oppression against transgender individuals due to the increase in cases in recent years. 

However, this holiday is not focused primarily on the challenges this group faces. Rachel wanted to create a time for transgender people to be celebrated, empowered, and supported in living as their full selves. According to the US Census in 2020, 2.6 million Americans may be transgender, making up approximately 1.03% of the population. 

With millions of transgender people worldwide, it can be crucial to drive awareness to support options, inclusive healthcare, and ways to celebrate all the facets of being transgender or non-binary. The lives of transgender youth are often disproportionately affected by anti-trans legislation, which emphasizes the need for support and protection against discriminatory laws for transgender youth.

Transgender identity can be diverse, and each person may be different and unique from others. Some people choose to medically transition, meaning that they may physically change their bodies to be more comfortable and aligned with their gender identity. 

Some other people may take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to change their appearance, voice, or attributes. Other people may choose not to partake in transitioning, which can also be valid. People can be born transgender, and anyone at any age can come out.

When honoring TDOV, it may be helpful to know the reasons why awareness can be so necessary in today’s world. Below are current statistics to keep in mind.

• Since 2020, several states have implemented anti-trans legislation that may limit the rights of non-binary and trans individuals, especially children. These laws may restrict access to healthcare, hormone therapy, and support. 
• According to The Trevor Project, approximately one in five transgender youth attempted suicide in 2022, which may show the need for gender-affirming care and environments, as well as access to mental health services. 
• Threats of violence, stigma, and discrimination faced by trans people can lead to chronic health conditions. This group tends to be more likely to experience HIV and AIDS, substance use, mental illness, and disabilities. Disparities in healthcare and lack of resources can also contribute to these illnesses. 

If you’re an LGBTQ+ youth or young adult in crisis, reach out to The Trevor Project hotline by calling 1-866-488-7386 or texting “START” to 678-678. You can also use their online chat. 

There are various ways that trans and cisgender people can celebrate or honor TDOV across the country and worldwide, including the following options. 

Spreading awareness about current transgender activist initiatives can be a way to show your support for full equality in your community. You might also share resources, such as those listed on the GLAAD resources page. 

Posting on social media with the hashtag #TransDayofVisibility or #TDOV can be a way to get your posts out to a broader audience. You might also share your story in your own words if you identify as trans. 

Some people may hold unconscious biases or misconceptions about trans people. If you haven’t learned a lot about the this community, it may be helpful to do research before sharing information. You can find studies on reputable websites like medical and psychological journals or read books and listen to podcasts by activists and individuals. 

Support people in your transgender community 

Support people in your community by shopping at trans-owned businesses, donating to LGBTQIA+ organizations, and learning about local LGBTQIA+ activism efforts. You can also consider supporting transgender youth by volunteering for or donating to programs aimed at helping them. In addition, you might join in on activist events, such as a march, as an ally or show support to a person you love in your life by being open to learning and helping others live authentically. 

Trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming pioneers and activists to celebrate 

Many trans pioneers in history have set the stage for LGBTQIA+ rights in the present. Learning about these people can be a way to celebrate the past and future of transgender equality.

• Christine Jorgensen: Christine was the first trans woman to publicly transition in the US and was a performer and singer. 
• Roberta Cowell: Roberta was a Grand Prix driver and pilot during World War II who was openly transgender. 
• Marsha P. Johnson: Marsha P. Johnson was one of the key activists in the Stonewall uprising in NYC in 1969. She was also one of the founders of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) activism group that fought for fair legislation and treatment of trans people. 
• Laverne Cox: Laverne Cox is an activist and actress. She has had a significant role in showing trans life on TV and was the first trans person to be on the cover of Time magazine. 
• GLAAD’s List of 20 Trans Activists: GLAAD lists 20 young trans activists and their social media pages to show more about what LGBTQIA+ advocates are doing for their communities in the 2020s.
• Erin Reed: Erin Reed is a transgender activist on TikTok and Instagram who shares information on current trans news and legislation to help people stay aware and informed on trans rights. 

Following trans influencers, actors, and activists online can be a way to connect with LGBTQIA+ news, legislation, and other important factors.   

Below are some resources for trans and non-binary individuals to explore: 

• The Trevor Project: An organization supporting LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing mental health crises
• The Trans Lifeline: A hotline to support trans people that can be accessed at 877-565-8860
• Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF): An organization offering legal advocates and services to trans people facing discrimination and legal challenges 
• Transgender American Veterans Association: An organization that advocates for trans veterans

Support options 

Finding support as a transgender individual can be challenging due to stigma, lack of access to healthcare, and fear of discrimination. If you’re looking for support but don’t want to talk to a therapist in person, it may be beneficial to speak to a therapist online through a platform like BetterHelp. 

Through an online platform, you can choose to connect with an LGBTQIA+ therapist or therapist trained in inclusive care for the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, you can choose from phone, video, or live chat sessions to have greater control over how you receive support. 

Studies show that online therapy can be effective. Transgender people may be at a higher risk of depression and anxiety, and internet-based interventions can effectively treat these conditions and others. In addition, researchers have discovered that online therapy tends to be more cost-effective and can improve quality of life.