Trans Day of Visibility 2021
by Madeleine Lester, Communications Intern, San Francisco State University
Each year, March 31 is dedicated to celebrating Trans Day of Visibility—a day to recognize the accomplishments of transgender and nonbinary people from all corners of the world. It focuses on all of the positivity brought into society by transgender and nonbinary people.
Trans Day of Visibility was founded in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall as a response to the lack of uplifting holidays for the transgender and nonbinary community. Rather than focus on the atrocities faced by the community, Crandall wanted to establish a holiday dedicated to celebrating the vibrancy brought into society by transgender and nonbinary people. Trans Day of Visibility calls for widespread recognition of the trans and nonbinary community and an increase in awareness of the discrimination they face. The holiday celebrates the bravery it takes for trans and non-binary people to simply exist in a transphobic world.
During previous, pre-COVID years, people have gathered in person to celebrate and commemorate transgender and nonbinary people. But what will this year’s celebration look like during a global pandemic? We’re hoping that next year our communities can gather as they have in the past, but for now, we’ve looked into some of the best ways we can safely join in on the celebration from home.
Trans Day of Visibility has always made use of social media to bring people together while spreading the word about the day’s significance—and it’s fitting as transgender and nonbinary people have often looked to various platforms to learn about the experiences of others and form online communities. Since the holiday was established, people in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies have participated in a number of social media campaigns. People from all over the world share selfies, stories, and other content to raise awareness of transgender experiences using the hashtags #TransDayOfVisibility and #TDOV.
Another way to celebrate this day is by volunteering with local and national organizations. There are many advocacy groups that offer a number of community outreach programs and opportunities to help out in neighborhoods across the U.S. Our volunteer opportunities page lists over 100 nonprofits that are currently looking for people to lend a hand. Whether you have law experience, are a seasoned activist, or are simply a person looking to do your part, there are tons of ways to get involved. Here are a few of our top picks in honor of Trans Day of Visibility:
American Trans Resource Hub is an organization that connects transgender people with resources regarding social, medical, and legal help. They are currently looking for Resource Coordinators to guide trans people to the many resources they offer. Volunteers who identify as transgender will work one-on-one with other trans folks and volunteers who do not identify as trans or nonbinary will help out with compiling resource lists. More information on this opportunity can be found here.
Another organization that serves trans people is TGI Justice Project (TGIJP), a San Francisco based nonprofit whose mission is to challenge and end the human rights abuses committed against Black, Black/Brown trans people inside of California prisons, jails, detention centers and beyond. TGIJP fights for gender justice and freedom of expression and offers incarcerated trans POC reentry programs and resources to find housing and medical services. TGIJP is calling for graphic designers and newsletter editors to help out in developing visual and written content. Learn about how to get involved here.
You might also be interested in volunteering with QueerCare, an organization focused on providing individuals with free, non-medical care. QueerCare is seeking volunteers to support queer, transgender, and non-binary people in the form of pet care, grocery shopping, transportation, and more. Read more about QueerCare on our site.
If you’re a lawyer or have interest in advocacy on a legal level, Transgender Law Center might be the right fit for you. Transgender Law Center works to provide transgender and non-binary people legal expertise and fights for an equal future for all. Transgender Law Center has two key volunteer opportunities we’d like to highlight: the Legal Resistance Network and the Community Resistance Network. The Legal Resistance Network is calling on attorneys to provide council on impact litigation, represent transgender and non-binary people, and volunteer to work on pro bono cases. Sign up here! The Community Resistance Network which invites people with no legal expertise to lend a hand in expanding its legal services to the community. Learn more here! You can also sign the pledge for TLC’s Trans Agenda for Liberation - click here.
If you’d prefer to honor Trans Day of Visibility remotely, there are plenty of other ways for you to join in on the Trans Day of Visibility celebration from the comfort of your own home!
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is hosting a virtual event called “After Dark Online: Transgender Day of Visibility” on April 1 at 7 p.m. The program will feature the experiences of transgender people who work in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and explore the importance of diversity in these fields. After Dark Online: Transgender Day of Visibility is free of charge and more information about how to attend can be found here.
The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival is also offering an ongoing opportunity in honor of Trans Day of Visibility. It is currently promoting a call for submissions for its 2021 film festival. Filmmakers can submit their work between June 1 and August 15, 2020. Read more about this opportunity here!
The Transgender District of San Francisco launched www.knowourplace.com in response to the International Trans Day of Visibility to promote local TGNC models and creatives, to highlight their groundbreaking initiatives, and to assert their place in the world. Join them on Monday, March 29th from 12 pm - 1pm PST for a talk about visibility, advocacy, identity, race, and community. Click here to listen to the talk!
Trans Day of Visibility is all about uplifting and recognizing transgender and nonbinary communities, and there are many ways to do so, even during a global pandemic. Until we get the chance to come together and celebrate in person once again, we encourage you to participate in the online festivities. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, attend a virtual event, or join in on the #TransDayOfVisibility hashtag, we hope you get into the spirit of Trans Day of Visibility!