Transgender Day of Visibility
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is celebrated annually on March 31 to honor transgender and gender-diverse people, raise awareness about the barriers they face, and celebrate their contributions to society. It originated in 2009 as a response to the lack of recognition and representation of trans people in mainstream media and public life. While the Transgender Day of Remembrance focuses on honoring those who have lost their lives to transphobic violence, TDOV shifts the focus to celebrating the resilience and achievements of transgender individuals.
TDOV is necessary because trans people continue to face discrimination, violence, and marginalization in many aspects of their lives, including healthcare, employment, education, and housing. By dedicating a day to visibility, we challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and promote acceptance and inclusion. Visibility plays a crucial role in creating safer and more supportive environments for transgender people to live authentically and thrive.
To commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility, I encourage Nova Scotians to engage in activities to show support and raise awareness.
Education and Awareness: Take the time to learn about transgender identities, experiences, and issues. Share resources and information with others to promote understanding and empathy.
Amplify Trans Voices: Elevate the voices and stories of transgender individuals by sharing their experiences, art, writings, and achievements on social media and in your communities.
Advocate for Trans Rights: Support policies and initiatives that advance transgender rights and protections against discrimination. Speak out against transphobia and advocate for inclusive spaces and policies.
Attend Events: Participate in TDOV events, marches, rallies, and panel discussions to show solidarity and visibility for the transgender community.
Allyship: Be an active ally by listening to trans people, offering support, and standing up against transphobic attitudes and behaviors.
Transgender Day of Visibility serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and triumphs of transgender individuals and the importance of creating a more inclusive and equitable society for people of all genders. By recognizing and celebrating transgender visibility, we move closer to achieving equality and acceptance for all.
Resources
- Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project
- The Youth Project
- Wabanaki Two-spirit Alliance
- LGBTQ and TwoSpirit - Native Women's Association of Canada
- The Beauty of Transgender Lives Lived: National Film Board
- prideHealth via Nova Scotia Health
- Nova Scotia Transgender Resources via Transgendermap.com
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Health
- Anti-Violence Project
- International Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Sylvia Rivera Law Project
- Transgender Europe's Trans Murder Monitoring Project
- Transgender Law Center
- Canada’s first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan… Building our future, with pride
- Statistics Canada: Police Reported Hate Crimes in Canada (2020)
- TransJustice at the Audre Lorde Project