03/31/2023
Today is meant to be a celebration of the trans community - folks who, despite being the subject of threats to both life and livelihood, remain daring in their pursuit of authenticity. These folks courageously show up and speak out against a system that has, particularly over the past few years, failed to protect or serve them. In the United States, in 2023 alone, there have been 493 proposed bills in 47 states.
This year feels different. It feels as if we have a need to be more direct in the ways we tell our stories and in how we ask for support from our loving allies.
Trans-ness is not new. Trans people have existed in every corner of the world since the beginning of time, and their experiences are deeply and meaningfully woven into every inch of our social fabric. They are your neighbours, your children, your therapist, and your best friend. There is nothing you can see or touch without knowing the love and care of a trans person. No trans person wants you to be trans - they want you to see them. They want to love, cook, read, travel, become parents, dance, laugh, work, learn, explore…
There is nothing more beautiful, more infectiously inspiring, than to be witness to the unfolding of one’s true story. What a privilege it is to watch as the ones you love grow into themselves and choose to share this JOY with you. As you inevitably encounter narratives of hatred, driven by ignorance and fear, please remember that you have autonomy. You have an opportunity to show up for some of the most vulnerable children, youth, and adults in our community and to use your places of privilege to start conversations, invite curiosity, and give space to those whose very existence has been threatened.
As we come together on Trans Day of Visibility we invite you to our call to action. Today, and every day, we ask that you explore the ways in which you can continue your learning and growth as allies and amplify the voices of trans people.
Here are some ways you can participate today (and set in motion a commitment to remain active year round):
- Share posts that educate and celebrate (search and post with the , , , )
- Like pictures and engage with TDOV content
- Watch a video
- Take a course
- Ask questions
- Challenge your own biases and consider your own experience of gender
- Add your pronouns to your email address, business cards, social media profiles, etc.
- Consider your language and whether you might be able to shift to more neutral and inclusive language
- Invite a coworker or friend to engage in collaborative discussion and learning
- Be curious
- Listen to a podcast
- Read a book or article
- Check our some of the links below
GLAAD - https://www.glaad.org/tdov
PFLAG - https://pflag.org/resource/pao-s4ebecomingatransallyrecording/
Guide to Being a Trans Ally (PDF) -https://straightforequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2020-Trans-Ally-Guide-Revised.pdf
EGALE Pronouns Guide - https://egale.ca/awareness/pronoun-usage-guide/
Inclusive & Affirming Language Guide (PDF) - https://indd.adobe.com/view/publication/2a894460-c057-4019-967a-bc8233145f6a/1/publication-web-resources/pdf/
Inclusive_and_affirming_Language_NEW.pdf
Ways to Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility 2023 - https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/how-to-celebrate-transgender-day-of-visibility
Myths & Facts: Battling Disinformation about Transgender Rights (HRC) - https://www.hrc.org/resources/myths-and-facts-battling-disinformation-about-transgender-rights
