International Transgender Day of Visibility, or TDOV, is celebrated on March 31 and is dedicated to amplifying the accomplishments of transgender and gender diverse people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done. TDOV is more critical now than ever.
We have witnessed an unprecedented number of attacks on trans people, most frequently targeting trans youth. Going after trans youth is cruel and part of a larger right-wing agenda. In the same way it was never about restrooms, today’s fight is not about sports or health care. It’s about erasing and excluding trans people. And as certain lawmakers advance anti-trans legislation to cause us harm, others promote and spread hateful anti-trans rhetoric. There’s so much negativity in the media about trans people and our lives. Misinformation about what it means to be trans is rampant, which makes our continued joy an act of resistance.
Our community is not going anywhere. We will continue to fight, live, be jubilant, and thrive even in times of great pain and hardship. Trans people deserve to live long, happy lives, to grow old and grey, and to share our stories as elders.
Gender-affirming care is lifesaving, and everyone should be able to access the care they need. Affirming, accessible, and comprehensive health care is possible for every human. That is a responsibility we take seriously at Anchor Health. We will continue supporting equitable health care efforts nationwide.
During a time when there are more legislative attacks than ever before and when debates about our existence are on the news daily, I invite you all to show up for trans people every day – just like we do on TDOV.
Trans lives merit celebration. We have power, and we will not be silenced or sidelined. What are you doing today to celebrate yourself and the trans folks in your life?
Join Transgender Day of Visibility activities and more:
- New Haven Pride Center (NHPC) is hosting a virtual community conversation today at 3 pm.
- The University of Maryland School of Social Work is hosting a virtual panel discussion featuring trans social workers sharing their insights, lived experiences, and the power of visibility today at 3:30 pm.
- T’eVine and Nicola Spurling are hosting a virtual panel discussion about visibility tonight at 7 pm.
- NHPC is hosting a TDOV celebration at Blue Orchid tonight at 7 pm in New Haven.
- East Rock House is throwing a picnic party tomorrow, April 1, at 2 pm in New Haven.
- Anchor Health and NHPC are hosting a free name and gender marker clinic on April 26 at 6 pm.
Take action to speak out against proposed rules and protect trans youth:
- Earlier this month, House members introduced the so-called “Parents Bill of Rights,” or H.R. 5. This bill would undermine local control, insert the federal government as a national school board, and promote book bans and classroom censorship. This government interference would only disrupt the education system and cut trans and intersex youth from the support they need to thrive. H.R. 5 is a bill that would only undermine our communities and increase animosity against LGBTQ families and families of color – and often, our youth are a part of both. Trans, gender diverse, and intersex kids belong in classrooms. Our youth deserve welcoming libraries, accurate history, and books that reflect the reality of their lives. Take action now. Reach out to your legislators today and urge them to vote no on H.R. 5.
- In early March, House members introduced H.R. 734, which claims that Title IX compliance requires a federal ban of trans and intersex girls and women from participating in sports. This bill would prohibit trans and intersex women and girls across the country from accessing the proven social, mental, and physical benefits of sports, and it fails to consider recent research and policies at the highest level of sport, which affirms that trans women do not have any inherent advantage in sport. Instead of ensuring policies would make kids feel safe and supported at school, this bill aims to cut another safe space for intersex and trans youth. We cannot allow politics to hurt our trans and intersex youth. Please help us make a difference by contacting your legislator today.
