Honoring Transgender Day of Visibility

History of Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV)

Transgender Day of Visibility was originally founded by transgender activist, Rachel Crandall, in 2009. Her goal was increase awareness of trans people and their contributions to society. Rachel won the support of President Joe Biden in 2021 when he officially proclaimed March 31st to be Transgender Day of Visibility.

In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility , consider these options:

• Do not to out your friends.  It is their choice and remember safety can be a significant issue.
• Attend a local or virtual event.  Tag yourself on social media using #TDOV, #TransResistance, or #MoreThanVisibility
• Learn about Trans History.  Did you know Jack Williams, a.k.a. Frances Clalin Clayton, bent gender norms to fight in the Civil War?  How about Stella and Fanny, a.k.a. Ernest Boulton and Frederick Park, who were arrested in 1870 by London police and charged with “conspiring and inciting persons to commit an unnatural offence.

• Support LGBTQ+ and/or trans-led organizations that provide education, advocacy, and events for the trans community.  We are fortunate to have the Kenneth Young Center right here in Schaumburg.
• Know the differences between sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexual and emotional attraction, and sexual activities.
• Get comfortable asking folks what pronouns they use.
• Recognize the same-ness of trans folks and other identities.  Our humanity ties us together.  We all deal with issues of race, mental health, disabilities, economics, and more.
• Learn trans terminology.  One of my favorite resources is itspronouncedmetrosexual.
• Call someone out when they say something that is transphobic.
• Give a shout out to your favorite transperson (if they are out)!

As a country, we are making strides toward inclusion, appreciation and valuing of the trans community and you can help.

Share your social media posts in the comments below.  I would love to join us together and destigmatize the transgender community.