Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an annual day that is celebrated around the world on 31st March each year to celebrate trans and non-binary people and raise awareness of discrimination faced by the trans community worldwide.
It is a time of shared stories of resilience and courage and for all to find strength in being visible and the beauty of transgender.
It is also a day about raising awareness of discrimination and to help to advocate for greater acceptance and inclusion for transgender people in every aspect of life.
What does it mean to be transgender?
Being transgender is a term used to describe a person whose gender is not the same as or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth.
Trans people may describe themselves as using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, non-binary, or genderqueer.
It is important to remember that Trans identities are diverse, and individuals may identify in different ways.
How did TDOV start?
It began in 2009 to celebrate the accomplishments of transgender people and to bring awareness to the discrimination they face.
The day was founded by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in response to the lack of visibility and awareness for transgender people.
It is intended to provide education about the transgender community, celebrate trans lives and bring attention to the issues experienced by some in the transgender community.
How can society make a change?
Visibility is important and in particular the ability for those from the trans and non-binary community to be able to tell stories and for lived experience to be shared and heard.
It is important that we all take steps to make our workplace an inclusive environment, one where everyone can be their authentic selves, be listened to and heard and to have equality and equity of opportunity.
The King Edward VI Foundation strongly condemns the marginalisation, victimisation and inequality experienced by trans and gender diverse people and wants to ensure that a culture of inclusivity and respect is created for and maintained by all.
Other LGBTQIA + Awareness Raising Days
For information, there are other LGBTQIA+ awareness days throughout the year. These days help to raise awareness and fight discrimination.
Dates for some of these events for 2023 are as follows:
- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) 2023
- Transgender Awareness Month 2023
- Transgender Parent Day 2023
- Transgender Awareness Week 2023
- Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023
- PRIDE MONTH 2023 - June | National Today
If you have any queries regarding this or any other awareness raising days, please get in touch with Ali Bretherton, Head of OD at: [email protected]
