By Mikaela Calcagni
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is a day to celebrate all of the transgender and non-binary folks in our lives, while also raising awareness of the discrimination they face daily in the U.S. and other countries.
The first Transgender Day of Visibility took place on March 31, 2009. Rachel Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, founded the day in order to recognize all of the accomplishments of trans and non-binary folks. Since its inception, the planning of events and social media work surrounding TDOV has been passed down to Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), an organization run by trans youth who aim to create a better environment for trans youth across the country.
While TDOV is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of and empower the trans and non-binary folks that we care about, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) in November is a day to remember trans folk who have lost their lives to gender-based violence.
It is important to recognize that domestic violence can happen in a relationship between individuals of any gender identity. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey as quoted by VAWnet, 54% of trans and non-binary folk have experienced some form of intimate partner violence. This number, although already high, may not be completely accurate considering many instances of domestic violence against trans and non-binary individuals go unreported. By creating an accepting and welcoming space for those who identify with all gender identities, we at REACH can ensure that everyone is getting the help that they need if they are experiencing abuse. Showing support of the trans community can also help to raise awareness of domestic violence in non-heteronormative relationships.
So, how can you raise awareness and stand in solidarity? Check out some suggestions from TSER at the link below! Some suggestions include attending TDOV events that may be held in your community, supporting Trans-led organizations, and (arguably the most important) remembering to be respectful of everyone’s gender identity and personal pronouns!
TSER suggests how to celebrate TDOV: https://www.transstudent.org/tdovaction
For more information on TDOV check out these links!
