Visibility as Activism: Celebrating Trans Joy and Empowerment on International Transgender Day of Visibility

  What does it mean to be ‘visible’ as a transgender person? 

March 31st, 2024 will mark 15 years since the establishment of International Transgender Day of Visibility– a global event dedicated to the recognition and celebration of transgender people around the world. This event also serves to encourage conversations about the prejudice, discrimination and oppression faced by the trans community and platform the voices working to resist this injustice. As we approach the 15th TDoV we are asking the question, what do we mean by visibility for the trans community? Why does it matter, and what can we do in workplaces and social spaces to celebrate this important event?

  How (and why) was International Transgender Day of Visibility established? 

International Transgender Day of Visibility was established by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the founder of Transgender Michigan, in 2009. Crandall-Crocker’s motivation was to create an event which celebrated trans lives– as the only well-known, trans-centred event at the time was Transgender Day of Remembrance, commemorating lives lost in the transgender community. Public narratives surrounding transgender experiences are often rife with negativity and perceived suffering; many stories in the mainstream predominantly discuss matters of transgender hate crimes, rates of mental illness, the impact of far-right movements on the human rights of the trans community. Although these matters are important and legitimate points of discussion, their dominion in the arena of trans awareness means that stories celebrating the agency, creativity and bravery of trans people often lack the same exposure. International Transgender Day of Visibility serves as an opportunity to platform the voices and achievements of living, thriving trans people in the queer community- and celebrate the joy that can be found in trans lives.

  What do we mean by ‘visibility’? 

As the nonbinary author of this post, TDoV is a day which has great personal significance to me. The white stripe through the middle of the blue, pink and white transgender flag signifies nonbinary people- and ‘visibility’ of the trans community is often misconstrued as being about the aesthetics– the physical appearance– of trans people. For nonbinary people, there is often even less understanding of how our identities present themselves– and how we are not obligated or required to communicate our transness through visual cues and ‘clues’ about our gender. 

To be visible as a trans person is more than simply being externally perceived as identifying outside your assigned gender at birth. It also means being ‘seen’ and recognised for your trans identity without having to align with stereotypes and misconceptions about what trans people look like. In a social and cultural sense, it means to have your voice heard- regardless of whether or not your identity fits into the narrow box created for ‘socially acceptable’ trans people. Very often, only particular voices are platformed in this community– mainstream media has long favoured white, conventionally attractive, middle class individuals as spokespeople for the queer community. However, many important stories and messages about what it means to be trans are best conveyed by those who have been previously denied the audience to do so. In an interview about celebrating trans identities, gender non-conforming trans activist Alok Menon stated the following: 

  “Gender norms exist specifically to abbreviate our creativity and ritualise conformity. I’d rather be joyous. For me, joy comes from self-authorship.” –Alok Menon, Vogue India  

As a person of colour whose non-conformity has often been challenged and resisted socially, Menon represents a new wave of activists pushing for more than recognition of their struggle. Their activism, like that of many others in the community, also represents a spotlighting of transgender creativity, resourcefulness, emotional wealth and agency. For activists like Menon, visibility isn’t just about being afforded a platform– it is about being recognised for one’s achievements, afforded autonomy and respect and acknowledged as people living rich, full lives.

  How can organisations celebrate TDoV? 

Recognising International Transgender Day of Visibility within your workplace or social organisation can be an effective way to signal your values to trans people in your community and show solidarity. However, it is important that in celebrating TDoV, at the heart of these celebrations is the platforming of trans voices. So what can you do to put trans voices at the heart of TDoV this year?

Adding the testimonials and experiences of transgender colleagues to your workplace’s monthly newsletter can be an effective way to humanise trans narratives- if done safely. In the UK, half of trans and nonbinary people have hidden their identity at work due to fear of discrimination- and this means that in sharing their experiences, many trans people may only feel comfortable sharing their perspectives anonymously. Facilitating anonymous and confidential contributions to celebrating TDoV is a crucial step in making trans coworkers feel safe and respected, whilst also platforming their voices and stories. Often, the celebration of awareness days can make the communities at hand seem abstract and irrelevant to one’s own personal circle– better understanding the identities of people with whom we are more closely connected can humanise and demystify these sensitive topics. 

TDoV is also a brilliant opportunity to invite trans-identifying guest speakers into your organisation to lead training and awareness around trans issues. Training events around trans inclusion provide an environment where sensitive questions can be addressed and a push for more trans-inclusive policies and workplace practices can be made. Visibility, after all, is about more than being seen– it is about respect, equality and the fostering of socially just environments. You can even book awareness training about Trans and Nonbinary identities through LGBT Great and learn more about the social and scientific underpinnings of trans experiences. 

Celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility is an exciting opportunity to learn more about the important (and often joyous) aspects of living and thriving as a transgender person. This March 31st, consider putting trans voices in the spotlight and make the most of the stories and perspectives shared with you on this significant day. 
 

— Georgie Williams (they/them) is an Insights and Content Analyst at LGBT Great.