How to Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility

Trans Day of Visibility happens every year on March 31st, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops to help DoSomething members celebrate. This special day lands during Women’s History Month, which isn’t just about cisgender women but extends to gender nonconforming, nonbinary, and trans women.

Far too often, trans voices are left out of the global conversation about equity, and their stories are erased from history. Even more, trans identities are often questioned, ignored, or denied, pushing forward a transphobic narrative about gender expression. Currently, there are numerous laws being passed that limit or ban gender-affirming healthcare, prohibit trans youth from participating in sports, and many others. The most jarring thing is that a majority of the legislation, 86% to be exact, is aimed at trans youth.

Trans Day of Visibility is a worldwide celebration of the accomplishments of transgender and gender nonconforming people. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about the work we can all do to make the world a better place for everyone, regardless of their gender identity. That means creating safe spaces where our trans peers feel welcomed, respected, honored, and loved.

So, are you ready to dive into Trans Day of Visibility and start celebrating with us?!

The History of Trans Day of Visibility

The history of trans people goes back to the dawn of civilization, literally. Trans folks have been here forever, and forever they will stay. Many indigenous groups around the world have long-standing cultural interpretations of trans identities that date back to 5000 B.C.

Nowadays, much of the media coverage of the trans community is focused on the violence and discrimination they face. To balance important stories of trans realities, Trans Day of Visibility was created in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall. Previously, the most renowned transgender-centered day was the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th, which focuses on honoring the trans people who have lost their lives due to gender-based violence. Rachel wanted to create a day that instead focused on the living members of the transgender community and celebrated their accomplishments and contributions to the world.

Trans Day of Visibility is about pride, justice, inclusivity, and liberation. Since this celebration began in 2009, it’s become a worldwide phenomenon. In 2021, the Biden administration became the first to issue a proclamation commemorating Trans Day of Visibility.

How to Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility

Now to the fun part: celebrating! Trans Day of Visibility is all about joy, and what better way to get into the spirit than by following some incredible trans creators? Our current girl crush is Dylan Mulvaney, who has been documenting her transition to girlhood on TikTok and Instagram since day one. Her excitement is infectious, and her realness is super relatable. Another outstanding creator to follow is Alok, who provides awesome educational resources on their Instagram and is a leading voice in trans and nonbinary discourse.

Besides following these amazing trans and nonbinary creators, you can also celebrate Trans Day of Visibility by watching one of these TV shows or movies to see your favorite trans actors on screen. You can also watch the 2022 Trans Youth Town Hall to celebrate the diverse array of voices in the community.

How to Advocate for Trans Rights

As of February of this year, over 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed, surpassing the total amount of bills filed for the whole year in 2022. These bills include trans sports bans, trans bathroom bans, birth certificate change bans, and forced misgendering, which specifically target trans youth and adults. There has also been an onslaught of drag bans throughout the country, which are fed by the same mentality that is leading the charge on anti-trans legislation. Considering this unprecedented number of bills, trans advocacy is needed now more than ever. Here are some ways you can advocate for trans rights today:

• Write to your legislators to fight back against anti-trans legislation.
  • Last year, 91% of the anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed did not become law, partly because of the tireless efforts of trans activists and allies.
• Support the Trans Agenda for Liberation created by the Transgender Law Center.
  • This agenda amplifies the voices of Black, indigenous, and migrant trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming leaders.
• Share the ACLU’s Know Your Rights Guide for transgender and gender nonconforming students
  • This resource is great to get familiar with in case you notice a trans peer doesn’t feel safe or respected at school
• Read and share a banned book by a trans author.
  • Combat the censorship of trans and nonbinary voices by picking up a banned book and sharing your thoughts with our program Uncensored. You can find more ideas for what to read here, too!
• Make your queue more queer. There are plenty of trans podcasts, documentaries, and series out there to listen to and watch.
  • Podcasts: Queersplaining, The TransLash Podcast, The Transgenda
  • Documentaries: Disclosure, The Trans List, Transhood
  • Series: Pose, Sense8, Tales of the City

How to Build Inclusive Environments

Building intentionally inclusive environments is essential to trans allyship. Trans Day of Visibility centers on the importance of safe and nurturing spaces, which is something that anyone can contribute to. Check out these tips to help build inclusive environments in your community:

• Check in with your trans peers. Even days like Trans Visibility Day that are celebratory can be triggering. Intentionally check in with trans friends in your circle to make sure they know you have their back.
• Read up on inclusive language. This Gender Terminology Guide is a stellar resource, and this Pronounce Resource can help us avoid misgendering our peers.
  • You can also use these guides to support the use of inclusive language in your school’s clubs and activities, that way, everyone feels welcome to participate.
• Advocated for gender-neutral bathrooms at your school. 66% of trans teens report they often avoid drinking water throughout the day because of how uncomfortable they are with the bathrooms at their school.
  • Advocate for gender-neutral bathrooms at your school by writing to your administrators. You can also remind your school administrators that according to US Federal Law, students have the right to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity.
• Check out The Trevor Project’s allyship guide. Creating inclusive environments for trans and gender nonconforming peers goes beyond pronouns and bathrooms, but it’s a great start. This guide provides additional resources and ways to support your trans peers.

Trans Day of Visibility is a celebration of the stories of our trans peers and a way to give them the space they rightfully deserve to thrive and live their most authentic lives unapologetically. It’s such a fantastic opportunity to uplift trans voices, experiences, and achievements by focusing on all the undeniable ways that their advocacy and joy make the world a better place.