Trans Day of Visibility 2021: Everything you need to know about the event including how to take part
A group of protesters protesting in favour of trans visibility in São Paulo, Brazil (Getty)
The 12th annual International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) will take place on 31 March 2021.
The event celebrates the resilience and success of transgender and gender non-conforming people and raises awareness of transgender rights around the world. This is just as important now as ever, as 2020 was the deadliest year on record for the trans community – though you wouldn’t necessarily learn that information from watching the news.
American news networks discussed anti-trans violence for 54 minutes in 2020. Yes, just 54 minutes in the entire year.
And in the UK, transphobia is continuing to run riot. Since 2015 reports of transphobic hate crimes have quadrupled. According to Galop one in four trans people have been threatened with or experienced transphobic violence. One in three UK employers will not employ a trans person. Almost half of trans people have a suicide attempt in their past. And trans children now have to go to court to get medication.
So with that in mind, we took a look at what exactly the Trans Day of Visibility 2021 is, the history of the event, what this year’s theme is and – most importantly – how can you show your support, and be an ally to trans people at this challenging time.
What is the Trans Day of Visibility 2021?
International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual recognition and awareness day that occurs each year on 31 March. The aim of Trans Day of Visibility is to celebrate transgender people’s many contributions to society across the world, while also raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people.
The day was founded by a US-based transgender activist named Rachel Crandall, from Michigan, in 2009 to increase the worldwide recognition of trans people.
She was frustrated that the only other well-known transgender awareness day was Transgender Day of Remembrance, which mourned the transgender victims of hate crimes and violence (an important thing to do), but in doing that failed to acknowledge and celebrate living members of the transgender community.
The event is organised by Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), who write: “We encourage you to have discussions, create direct actions, and spread knowledge about the trans community no matter where you are! You can also join our Facebook event and use hashtag #tdov on social media.”
You can also donate time, money and resources to services working for trans people. COVID-19 has led to more and more trans people being trapped at home, often with transphobic or unsupportive families.
You can find a list of trans organisations and charities who need your support here.
Another thing you can do is commit to being a better ally to trans and non-binary people. We have an article here where eight trans and non-binary people share their tips on how to improve your allyship in 2021.
For example, Axelle (they/them), queer activist and founder of the Black Trans Foundation says: “Watch trans documentaries and read trans stories. I would recommend these free ones on YouTube: Meet Young Non-Binary Australians Who Don’t Identify as Male or Female, Gender Diversity and Identity in Queertopia, I Am They: A Non-binary Transgender Love Story, Laverne Cox Presents the T Word.”
Stonewall also offer Trans Day of Visibility posters that you can download and put up in your school or workplace.
What is the theme of this year’s Trans Day of Visibility?
Due to COVID, and for the first time since 2012, there will be no theme for TDOV this year. Due to the coronavirus, TSER have put all of their programs on hold. However, you can still take part virtually.
What events will be taking place this year?
A wide range of events will be taking place in different countries around the world. Many will be held online, for example this joint virtual event run by a variety of LGBT+ organisations in Virginia, USA and this Zoom event organised by Pride Central.
If you’re running an event and would like us to add it to this article, please email [email protected].
