Thursday 31-03-2022 - 09:41

Thursday 31 March is Transgender Day of Visibility, an important day for members of the transgender community, and our allies. 

 

Before its creation in 2009, the only day of recognition for the trans community was Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, a day of mourning to commemorate trans lives lost in the previous year. Trans Day of Visibility was created by Rachel Crandall, a US-based trans activist, who wanted a day to recognise and celebrate the trans community in life. She describes it as a day to “give us our roses while we’re still here”. Its an opportunity to take action, and use first hand experiences to prove that transgender people exist, and not in the monstrous way so often portrayed.  

 

There’s no doubt that seeing trans people in our everyday lives and in the media is so important: both for education and to help provide courage and role models for those questioning their gender. But trans visibility is a complicated idea for many. It’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all approach. On the one hand, some trans people embrace visibility, recognising its importance for change and to provide role models. But for others, being visibly trans isn’t comfortable or even possible, for safety, privacy or other deeply personal reasons. 

 

For me personally, being visible is so important. As a non-passing trans man I have to be upfront about my identity, with my pronouns in email signatures and on pins, with a jacket covered in trans patches, and of course with my words. If I don’t, then I face constant misgendering in every aspect of my life.

 

Plus, being visibly trans is important to me and to so many others, as it represents our personal progress. I spent a lot of my life in an environment where I couldn’t present as anything except a cisgender woman for my own safety. Of course, I knew what being transgender was and had openly trans friends. But the area I was in and the beliefs of those around me made me feel as though that was never an option for me. 

 

Coming to Edge Hill was a turning point. The first close friends I made here were trans and completely open about it, and it’s only with their support that I could join them in that visibility. 

 

Embracing the fact that I’m trans and being visible about it was of course a terrifying and challenging experience, but also the best thing I could do. It’s brought wonderful people into my life, brought me closer to friends, and to me that’s why trans visibility is so important – to build a community. Without the visibility of other trans people, it’s not something I could have done myself, and its my belief that every single trans person inspires another, even if its without knowing.

 

Fantastic role models and advocates for the trans community like Laverne Cox, Elliot Page, Indya Moore, Judith Butler, and countless others have stepped forward in the media. They, and every other trans person, have helped move the conversation away from tired tropes and stereotypes, towards a world where gender diversity is celebrated and trans identities are valued.

 

Despite this progress, there’s been a recent resurgence in transphobia, especially in the media. We witness daily news articles debating our right to exist, using misinformation and shocking headlines to fuel an environment where trans people are viewed as a threat. 

 

That’s why so many trans people still do not feel comfortable being visible, celebrating their gender openly, and sharing their stories. Most of the trans community are exhausted by the daily attacks on our identities and fear having to face abuse and discrimination while just trying to go about our day. 

 

For trans people to feel safe enough to be visible, we need more people to be allies and show their support for the trans community. Read about trans people’s experiences, challenge transphobia when you hear it and show support to your trans friends and families.

 

By being visible, by speaking out against transphobia, we can begin to take steps to make change for everyone within the trans community and provide real hope for transgender youth. 

 

Kai Lambert, Trans & Non-Binary Officer