Trans Day of Visibility: Standing Together for Trans Lives
March 31st marks Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) — a day dedicated to celebrating trans and gender-diverse people, their achievements, and their resilience. Unlike Trans Day of Remembrance, which mourns lives lost, TDOV is about recognition, empowerment, and joy. Founded in 2009 by trans activist Rachel Crandall, this day fills a crucial gap: the opportunity to celebrate trans people while they are here, thriving, and making history.
But visibility alone is not enough. As we honour trans and gender-diverse individuals this year, we must also recognise the alarming rise in anti-trans rhetoric and policies across the world — and why it is imperative to stand against them.
A Global Backslide on Trans Rights
Across the United States, a coordinated attack on trans rights is unfolding. U.S. President Donald Trump has made erasing trans people from public life a cornerstone of his administration’s policy, with sweeping executive orders targeting healthcare, education, and even historical recognition of trans contributions.
His administration has banned gender-affirming care for minors nationwide, leading hospitals in blue states to cancel essential care out of fear of federal retaliation. In the prison system, incarcerated trans women have been forcibly transferred to men’s prisons, facing horrifying abuses. The federal government has removed trans history from national landmarks, such as the Stonewall National Monument, in an act of deliberate erasure.
These policies are not just bureaucratic nightmares; they are life-threatening. The removal of gender-affirming care is pushing trans youth into crisis, with doctors and families forced into underground networks to obtain medication. Trans soldiers who have served their country with honour are being stripped of their rights overnight. And transphobic rhetoric is fuelling a wave of hate crimes and violence.
But this is not just an American issue. When the most powerful nation in the world normalises transphobia at a governmental level, it emboldens anti-trans movements everywhere.
The Bigger Picture: How Trans Rights Affect Everyone
Trans rights aren’t just a trans issue—they’re a human rights issue. Research has shown that policies targeting LGBTQ+ people don’t just harm queer communities; they create ripple effects that worsen public health for all. A recent analysis found that states with anti-trans laws see higher rates of mental health crises and reduced access to medical care for everyone, not just LGBTQ+ individuals. Discrimination in one area weakens the integrity of a society as a whole.
A History of Resilience: Trans Visibility Beyond the Modern Era
While anti-trans rhetoric often claims that trans identities are a “new” phenomenon, history tells a different story. In ancient Rome, the galli, priests of the goddess Cybele, were gender-diverse individuals who had undergone castration and lived as women. They were not only accepted but held sacred roles in religious life. Similarly, the cinaedi — effeminate men often ridiculed in literature — were also part of Roman society, with some even serving in military roles. Gender diversity has always existed and attempts to erase it are rooted in political fear, not historical fact.
Trans Resilience: The Fight for Progress Continues
While the attacks on trans rights are severe, trans and gender-diverse people are not backing down. Across the world, activists, allies, and organisations are stepping up to fight for justice. Court cases challenging Trump’s executive orders are underway, with families and doctors fighting for the right to provide life-saving care. Community-led initiatives are ensuring trans people can access the healthcare, housing, and support they need — even when governments fail them.
Here in Australia, while we are not immune to discrimination, we have seen incredible strides in trans visibility and advocacy. Community organisations, activists, and allies continue to push for inclusion, education, and systemic change. We have seen:
Massive public pushback against anti-trans policies, with over 100 organisations signing an open letter calling on the Queensland government to reverse its ban on hormone therapy for trans youth.
Growing workplace protections and inclusion initiatives, ensuring trans people can thrive in professional settings without fear of discrimination
Increased visibility in sports and media, with trans athletes and entertainers taking up space proudly and unapologetically.
Medical reviews ensuring that trans healthcare in Australia remains evidence-based and affirming, rather than dictated by political fear-mongering.
How We Can Show Up for Trans People
Trans Day of Visibility is more than just a day for celebration — it is a call to action. Visibility without action is hollow, and the rights of trans and gender-diverse people are still under attack. We must push beyond performance and commit to tangible change.
Here’s how you can show up:
Amplify trans voices: Follow and share the work of trans activists, artists, and leaders. Representation matters.
Educate yourself and others: Learn about trans history, current challenges, and ways to be a better ally.
Support trans-led initiatives: Donate to organisations that provide direct support, such as housing, healthcare, and legal aid.
Vote with trans rights in mind: Pay attention to policies affecting trans and gender-diverse people in Australia and beyond. Support leaders who uphold equality.
Challenge transphobia when you see it: Whether online or in your community, stand against misinformation and hate.
Celebrate trans joy: Trans people are more than their struggles. Support and uplift trans creatives, businesses, and community events.
We Stand Together
In a world that tries to erase them, trans and gender-diverse people are here, and they are unstoppable.
This Trans Day of Visibility let’s not just see trans people — let’s stand with them. Let’s build a world where visibility is paired with action, and where every trans and gender-diverse person can live openly, safely, and proudly.
Happy Trans Day of Visibility. You are seen, you are valued, and you belong.