International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is a day to celebrate trans people and raise awareness about the issues faced by the trans community.
Celebrations might be organized at the local or city level and take the form of marches, rallies, parades, or other community events. Social media campaigns have also played a part in spreading the word about TDOV worldwide.
If you’re ready to increase positive visibility for trans individuals this year, we have five great ideas that extend beyond one single day. But first, here’s a bit of history about the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
What Is International Transgender Day of Visibility?
Rachel Crandall, a transgender woman from Michigan, wanted to create a day that celebrated transgender people and their contributions to society. She also wanted a way to raise awareness of the discrimination and challenges faced by the transgender community and non-binary people.
Crandall knew of one day to recognize the challenges faced by the transgender community. But there was not a single day that celebrated their achievements. She imagined a day that would both raise awareness and promote acceptance and understanding of transgender people, their lives, and their experiences.
She wanted a day full of positive stories.
After sharing her hopes for a day of joy and celebration on Facebook, the very first International Transgender Day of Visibility event happened on March 21, 2009. It included a social gathering, a picnic, and a film screening later in the evening.
From those humble beginnings, TDOV has grown to become observed by local governments, at the White House, and by people around the world. It is truly an international event bringing people together over shared life experiences and support.
Crandall's action at a local level resulted in international awareness. And today, International Transgender Day of Visibility still has room to grow.
Where Is It Recognized?
For over a decade, the International Transgender Day of Visibility has served as a day to stand in solidarity with the trans community. While U.S. states do not yet officially recognize it, many individuals, organizations, corporations, and local governments observe March 31 as an annual "trans day" event.
In 2019, San Francisco became the first city to officially observe the day when it issued a proclamation recognizing March 31 as International Transgender Day of Visibility.
In 2021, New York City followed suit and issued a similar proclamation.
In 2021, President Joe Biden also issued a presidential proclamation that stated in part, "(I) do hereby proclaim March 31, 2021, as Transgender Day of Visibility. I call upon all Americans to join in the fight for full equality for all transgender people."
5 Ways to Get Involved and Celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility
Recognition at a federal level helped spread the word about International Transgender Day of Visibility and solidify its place on our calendars. But, it’s still a movement that must first start in the hearts of individuals and local communities.
Ready to be an ally to trans people, starting right now?
Here are five ways a single individual can make an impact and promote trans visibility.
1. Never Stay Silent
Make a pledge to yourself and all trans people to start speaking out against discrimination and transphobia when you witness it. Staying silent could endanger a trans person - or someone who loves a trans person. By showing others around you that you will not promote or tolerate transphobia, you can create safer, more comfortable social environments for everyone in your community. And this isn’t just something to do on International Transgender Day of Visibility - it’s something you can carry with you for the rest of your life.
Want to take it a step further?
Work with your local and state governments and advocate for laws that promote trans rights. There are multiple bills being proposed that could infringe on the rights of transgender youths, and it takes you, as a voting citizen, to help stop them.
2. March and Shop With Pride
If you look more carefully, you will likely find multiple ways to support trans people within your own town or neighborhood:
March with parades and proudly celebrate Pride Month.
Help start pride month celebrations in your community if they don’t already exist.
Support trans-owned businesses, making an effort to purchase products or services from those companies (online and in-person).
Accompany a trans friend to any and all of the above events to ensure that they feel safe and supported in pursuit of expressing themselves
3. Become a Patron of the (LGBTQIA+) Arts
The LGBTQIA+ art community is a great way to learn more about the trans community and other marginalized groups. You can contact local galleries and venues to see if they support trans artists and musicians.
Or, you can support online by finding trans creators, advocates, and artists. Follow them, save and share their content, and buy or donate when you are inspired by their work.
Local to San Fran?
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus hosts the Reaching Youth Through Music (RHYTHM) program in many elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the Bay area. RHYTHM promotes awareness and visibility for marginalized groups, including trans youths, through the unifying power of music.
4. Start a Donation Campaign
International Transgender Day of Visibility is a great excuse to start a donation effort amongst your friends. Start a virtual effort online, or host a party on March 31 and have a silent auction, with all the proceeds going to a nonprofit that’s helping uplift the trans community.
Multiple organizations offer free support for trans individuals. For example, The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus does community outreach into local schools, where we can bring a positive impact to young people. Any contribution helps us continue our mission, as we and most other LGBTQIA+ and transgender groups are nonprofits that rely solely on donations and volunteers.
If donating money isn’t an option for you, you can donate time. Find a trans support organization or community and reach out to see how you can get involved.
5. Learn How to be an Ally and Advocate
Here at The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, we’re passionate about sharing our message and mission with the world. And International Transgender Day of Visibility is the perfect opportunity to do so.
If you’re ready to help make a positive impact on your community and your country, learn how to become an LGBTQ+ ally.
Will You Help Us Spread the Word?
The International Transgender Day of Visibility is an example of how a great idea can start with just one person and grow to become an international phenomenon.
But the work isn’t done. Trans people should feel safe, supported, and celebrated every day of the year.
Trans rights organizations and LGBTQ+ groups can't continue their mission without your support. If you’d like to take action, make a 100% tax-deductible donation to The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus today! All proceeds directly support our community programs and performances, helping create an inclusive and equal world for all LGBTQ+ individuals.