Each year, the 31st of March is dedicated to the celebration of trans and gender non-conforming people and raising the awareness of trans rights, whilst also highlighting the prejudice, discrimination and violence many trans people still face.
Since the establishment of Trans Day of Visibility in 2009, the world has seen radical changes to the way trans people are viewed and their degree of visibility. To an extent, trans people are now hyper visible, and for the most part, they have little control over that visibility.
This year, the day is not just a call for visibility, but also voices, variety, vibrance, value, and victory.
Below are a couple of lists we have put together to mark this day and celebrate trans visibility.
5 Things You Should Know About Trans People
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Not all trans people identify as male or female. Trans people have many different gender identities inside and out of the male/female binary.
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Trans people also have many different sexual orientations. But remember gender identity and sexual orientation are different things!
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Not all trans people want to get surgery and even fewer get it.
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Trans and non-binary people have always existed, well before there was a term for it.
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Trans women led the Stonewall riots. Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson were two among many trans women of colour on the front lines of the protest.
6 Ways to be a Better Ally
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Get between trans people and the hostility they may face. Step up if you see anyone being a victim of harassment, violence or transphobia. (Please note: this does not mean put yourself or others at risk, more that you should call out abuse).
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Don't refer to them as your 'transgender friend'. Many people may not choose to be defined by their gender identification - they're just your friend who happens to be trans!
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Learn someone's pronouns and make an effort to use them. If you are unsure of their pronouns use gender neutral ones such as 'they/them'.
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Add your own pronouns to bio's, signatures, and introductions. This helps to normalise the use of pronouns, helping others to feel safer when introducing theirs. Check out our video guide on adding your pronouns on Zoom and Instagram.
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Avoid asking questions about people's gender identification. Some may be happy to discuss, but until you are sure about this it is best to avoid this, even if it is just out of curiosity.
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Learn the history of trans rights. Check out the list of trans book and TV recommendations below.
Trans Book and Film Recommendations
Books
- Trans Britain: our journey from the shadows Edited by Christine Burns
- Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride
- Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
- Trap Door Edited by Reina Gossett
- The transgender issue By Shon Faye
- Black on both sides: a racial history of trans identity By C. Riley Snorton
TV
- Disclosure Netflix
- Pose (2018) BBC iplayer, Hulu
- Paris Is Burning (1990) Amazon, Apple TV, Disney+
- The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017) Netflix
YouTube
- Kat Blaque She/her
- Dr Jamie Raines (Jammidodoger) He/Him
- ARROWS He/they
- Philosophy Tube She/her
- Ash Hardell (any pronouns, questioning)
Trans Support Resources in Scotland
Download our Trans Bathroom poster here.