The 31st of March is a significant day in the transgender community. On this day we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV).
Until recently, there was a lack
What is International Transgender Day of Visibility?
TDOV is a day dedicated to the lives of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people across the entire planet. On TDoV we celebrate the achievements of trans people and recognise the courage it takes to live open, authentic lives. By increasing visibility, TDoV also helps to raise awareness of the daily issues that trans people face.
Why do Transgender people celebrate TDoV?
TDoV gives transgender people a platform on which to share openly about their lives, and the ups and downs of what it means to be transgender in today’s world. It is our chance to highlight the truth of who we are and the daily issues we face in merely trying to live our lives authentically.
Why do Transgender people need a day of visibility?
Currently, it seems transgender people are visible everywhere as hardly a day goes by where there isn’t a Transgender story in the news. However, the visibility given to trans people in the news is usually negative, frequently spreads misinformation and often causes harm to transgender people. Therefore, we need TDoV more than ever now, to help counteract the negative news stories.
TDoV is not just for Transgender people
TDoV is a day that belongs to Transgender people, where we have the power to decide what we make visible. It is our day to shine, to share our positive stories and show the truth of our lives from our perspective
As transgender people, we are part of a wider LGBTQ+ community. TDoV gives the whole community and its allies the chance to celebrate its transgender members and campaign on behalf of them. There are many people who live their lives openly and are willing to be visible, ranging from everyday people, sharing their lives on social media, though to authors, athletes, academics, musicians and celebrities. Sharing these people’s successes helps to highlight the positive aspect of being transgender and show the truth of who we are, which is ordinary folk just like everyone else.
Not all transgender people are able to be visible on TDoV
TDoV is not a day which seeks to say we should all be visible. Transgender people frequently face discrimination and violence and therefore cannot risk being open. Furthermore, not all trans people want to be visible and so it is important to recognise that there is no shame in wanting to remain undisclosed. It takes courage to be oneself in a world that seeks to forbid it. It is this which makes all trans people remarkable and therefore on TDoV we celebrate all trans people, not just those who are in the public arena.
How Can I participate in Transgender Day of Visibility?
There are many things you can do as a transgender person, as a member of the LGBTQ community, or as an ally, to participate in TDoV. The following are an excellent place to start:
- Educate yourself about transgender terminology
- learn about
transgender history - Share/retweet positive and informative posts by following the hashtag #TDov2019 on social media
- Attend at TDoV event in your area
[…] The other reason I find Coming Out Day troublesome is that trans people are frequently overlooked on LGBT+ awareness days. For the majority of trans folk, our coming out is far from celebrated in society. When we come out, we face being abandoned by our families and friends. If we come out at work we face discrimination. In just trying to live our daily lives we face harassment on the streets. Transgender people are all too often the victim of violence and murder. […]
Wonderfully informative post. I never realised this was such a significant day in the trans community. Thank you for the links as well – especially the terminology link. Very useful for anyone not familiar.
Such a lovely comment, I am very glad it helped, thank you for the great feedback!