March 29, 2023: Trans Day of Visibility

Feature by: Rachel Freeman-Cohen, Director of LGBTQIA+ Student Services

Friday, March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility (or International Transgender Day of Visibility). Created by trans activist Rachel Crandall Crocker in 2010, the day is dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the voices of trans, nonbinary and gender non-conforming individuals, while shifting the narrative to refocus the power in trans joy and resiliency.

Despite positively progressing social perceptions of the trans community, there is still much work to be done in fighting for basic human rights. In 2023, more than 400 pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation have been filed so far, with many targeting trans youth, access to gender-affirming healthcare, and criminalizing drag queens. Black and Brown trans women still experience higher rates of fatal violence, and the hypervisibility of the media demonizing trans individuals, encourages behavior that is discriminatory toward the community.

It is more important than ever to create space for the trans community to be seen and listened to through their authentic and diverse actual lived experiences. With positive trans representation and co-conspiratorial allyship, trans people can feel more comfortable and confident to live publicly and authentically as themselves. Empowering our trans students, educating the campus community about discrimination towards trans individuals, and supporting LGBTQ inclusion are some of the many ways in which we can engage in advocacy.

For more information, you can visit these websites for additional resources:

Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Out & Equal
The Trevor Project

Learn more about notable trans activists:

Each day this week, LGBTQIA+ Student Services will host an event in celebration of Trans Week of Empowerment. (See calendar for details.)