Transgender Day Of Visibility

Personal awareness and representation can make a difference in society's awareness of the needs of specific minority groups so that they can live authentically. Drawing attention to the struggles and triumphs of other people can allow society to better understand their experiences and how to be an ally. International Transgender Day of Visibility brings awareness to mental health concerns in the transgender community and ways allies can support their trans friends.

What is TDOV?

According to the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31st is a day of awareness dedicated to "celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender non-conforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice." 

Transgender is a term that encompasses gender identities and expressions differing from the cultural expectations based on someone's assigned gender at birth (AGAB). Transgender is often used to describe people who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid, as well as other gender identities. 

International Transgender Day of Visibility is a day to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of trans people—currently and throughout history—while highlighting the issues the transgender community still faces. The White House and the US government recognize this day as an official holiday in the US, with a proclamation released on March 30th, 2023. 

Supporting the trans community

Whether you are part of the trans community or an ally, there are numerous ways to show your support for TDOV, including the following: 

• Learn about and honor the history of TDOV
• Attend a TDOV event
• Amplify the voices of trans people and their work
• Explore issues affecting the trans community
• Write to your local senator and government officials to ask them not to support anti-trans laws in your state 
• Protest against anti-trans legislation in your state 

Importance of TDOV

TDOV was created in 2009 by transgender advocate Rachel Crandall to refocus the narrative toward celebrating the lives of trans people to empower them while acknowledging the discrimination and challenges trans people still face. 

Many people don't know someone who is transgender, which increases the importance of TDOV. TDOV offers a crucial opportunity to impart accurate, helpful information that can raise awareness about transgender people and how to support them as allies. 

Supporting transgender people in your daily life

Below are a few ways you can offer support and care:  

• Speak up when you hear someone say something transphobic or disrespectful. 
• If someone comes out to you, ask them how you can support them. 
• Respect their pronouns and name. Do not use their deadname (old name). 
• Consider using pronouns for yourself when meeting someone new or adding them to your email signature. 

Note that pronouns are the words others use to describe you, and every person has pronouns, regardless of gender. Common pronouns include she, him, they, ze, and it. Studies have found that using a trans person's correct pronouns can improve their mental health. 

Mental health and the trans community

Not every trans person experiences mental health challenges; being transgender is not a mental illness. However, being trans increases the risk of mental health conditions, suicide, and self-harm. Below are a few mental health statistics to keep in mind: 

• Trans people are more than six times more likely than non-trans people to attempt suicide resulting in hospitalization 
• Over 39% of trans people report psychological distress 
• Transgender youth are more likely to experience isolation and social challenges 
• Hormone therapy and gender-affirming care decrease depression and anxiety in trans people
• Trans women of color are at a higher risk of intimate partner violence, assault, and murder 

Many of the challenges associated with being transgender are not due to having a trans identity but due to the risks of being transgender in a society where equality is considered a debate. 

If you're an LGBTQIA+ youth 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. 

The positive impact of care 

Below are some of the positive impacts of respecting trans individuals from the 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health: 

• Trans and non-binary youth who reported that their pronouns were respected by the people they live with attempted suicide over 50% less than those whose pronouns were not respected by housemates. 
• Research shows lower rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among transgender and non-binary youth who were able to change their gender marker and name on legal documents. 

Mental health issues in the trans community

How to receive support 

If you or a loved one need support for trans issues or other mental health concerns in the trans community, the following resources may be valuable: 

• The Trevor Project is a suicide prevention and crisis support organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. To reach the Trevor Lifeline, call 1-866-488-7386, text "START" to 678-678, or head to their website to chat. The Trevor Project also has an Ally Guide. 
• The Trans Lifeline is available for transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people who need someone to talk to. You don't have to be in crisis to contact Trans Lifeline. You can find Trans Lifeline online or call one of the following numbers: US: 877-565-8860 or Canada: 877-330-6366.
• SAGE's National LGBT Elder Hotline provides support and resources for LGBTQIA+ elders 24/7. Call 877-360-LGBT (5428) to reach the hotline.

If you are a part of the transgender or LGBTQIA+ community, you may be at a significantly higher risk of developing mental health conditions. If you are concerned about your mental health, consider working with a licensed therapist. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals opt into online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or PrideCounseling for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Online therapy can be beneficial because it allows you to receive care from a safe location and express interest in being matched with an LGBTQIA+ therapist that understands your needs. According to researchers at the American Psychological Association, online therapy provides users with many benefits and outcomes similar to treatment in the office setting. If you are seeking therapy for your trans child, platforms like TeenCounseling offer support for adolescents aged 13 to 19.