March 31 marks the annual International Transgender Day of Visibility, a time to celebrate our transgender and gender diverse friends, family, and community members. Founded by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009, Transgender Day of Visibility was created to highlight the many contributions transgender people have made to society and emphasize the continued fight for transgender rights around the globe.
Crandall founded Transgender Day of Visibility because, until then, the only internationally recognized event centered on the transgender community was the Transgender Day of Remembrance. While that day remains an important yearly observance, it is focused on remembering the victims of transphobic violence. Crandall rightfully believed that too often, the stories of transgender and gender diverse people are only told in the context of violence and death. Transgender Day of Visibility stands in bright contrast to that: it is a celebration of a vibrant worldwide transgender community that continues to thrive, grow, and fight for trans rights.
Here in the United States, it is more important than ever to advocate for and defend our transgender community. This year alone, more than 450 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have already been introduced across the country. These bills – which are largely cynical attempts by far-right politicians to garner favor with their bases – range from restricting any mention of sexual orientation or gender identity in classrooms to banning transgender children from participation in school sports to criminalizing access to gender affirming care for trans and gender diverse youth. They falsely paint the trans and queer community as dangerous to children, and ruthlessly attack doctors, parents, teachers, drag performers, and even kids themselves in the pursuit of cruel, dangerous legislation. And they show no sign of stopping.
How can we fight back against this unprecedented legislative attack on the rights – and visibility – of transgender people? First off, we must hold our elected officials accountable. Write to your representatives and senators. Tell them why you support the rights and dignity of trans and queer people and ask that they oppose these hateful bills.
Second, donate to organizations that are working to defeat anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. These include the Transgender Law Center, GLSEN, GLAD, and the ACLU, but there are many others working hard across the nation to fight discrimination.
Finally, stand up against bigotry in your daily life. If you hear transphobic or anti-LGBTQIA+ speech, counter it – especially if you’re a cisgender ally. Tell your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your community why this rhetoric is not just inaccurate, but dangerous. If you are trans or gender diverse, reach out to your community for support and care. Living joyfully and visibly can be an act of resistance – but make sure you are also resting, prioritizing your health, and asking your allies to keep fighting for trans rights.
Whoever and wherever you are, make your voice heard. Advocate today and every day for the rights of transgender and gender diverse folks to live freely, safely, and visibly.