International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), March 31st, was created by Rachel Crandall-Crocker in 2009 to celebrate trans life and bring trans communities together. In 2023 we shared this interview with her reflections on the day.
“Oddly, I was kind of waiting for someone else to create it. I waited and waited. But finally in 2009, I said, ‘OK, I’m going to do it.’ … Since I made Visibility Day, many transgender people have pointed out that visibility can be a ‘double-edged sword.’ I agree with them — and I’m sad about that. Visibility is a double-edged sword. Any kind of visibility can bring attacks. Honestly, if I had to do it again, knowing what I know now, I’m not 100% convinced I would create the International Transgender Day of Visibility.”
Rachel Crandall-Crocker
In an article published yesterday by NPR she says “I wasn’t expecting to start an international movement. … I have a disability, however, I changed the world. You don’t have to be perfect. Come and change it along with me.”
Two years ago we shared this:
“TDOV can be alienating to people who have no choice about their visibility. Trans femme, racialized, and disabled trans communities face higher rates of harassment and violence.
To the cis people and organizations supporting our work: Anti-trans rhetoric is now so normalized that trans communities worldwide are facing new policies that limit access to gender-affirming care. We need public support for trans communities all year long. If you see something suggesting that transness is wrong or an undesirable outcome, that there are too many trans youth, or that trans women’s existence constitutes a threat – call it out. Don’t allow anti-trans campaigns to gain legitimacy. This is how we ensure that trans visibility also comes with trans safety, trans love, and a thriving trans community.”
Cis people who are ready to help, educate yourself about how to counter anti-trans disinformation, show up to defend queer events, implore your elected representatives to support trans rights, and donate to local, community-based organizations that are providing support to your neighbours whose visibility is both crucial and double-edged.
To everyone in the community celebrating today, we hope this day brings you joy, love, affirmation, hope, and safety. You deserve all of these things, all of the time.
TDOV messages and resources from coalition members:
- St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton:
Celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility - Hamilton Health Sciences:
#TransPeopleBelong (Instagram) - Hamilton Community Legal Clinic:
“HCLC stands in solidarity with transgender persons of all intersectionalities.” (Instagram) - Spectrum, YWCA, SACHA & Compass Community Health:
VISIBLE – A Celebration of Trans Visibility (The Road to Visible) - Instagram posts and stories re-shared through the coalition’s Instagram account