Transgender Day of Visibility (2023)

Nearly a quarter of a century ago, US Army veteran and trans woman Monica Helms created the bright and beautiful flag of transgender pride. She gave it three distinct colors: light blue as the traditional color for boys, light pink for girls, and a white stripe down the middle to represent those in transition, non-binary, or intersex. The flag carried at commemorative marches and events around the world today must always look the same. "The boss,"Helms once explained, "is such that no matter how you fly it, you always get it right. It symbolizes our attempt to find correction in our own lives."

On this March 31, the International Transgender Day of Visibility, trans people around the world have many reasons to celebrate and wave the flag created by Helms in 1999. It's you.write olympic historyYcollecting grammy awards. you will beelected to officein the United States. Ensure the right to declare the gender identified on their official IDsHong KongYspain.

At the same time, transgender people across the world are battling a rapidly growing cancerous backlash that threatens their safety and livelihoods. The situation is particularly dire for black trans women, who exist at the intersection of three identities:They are black, transgender and women.– this makes them particularly vulnerable to violence, which sometimes ends fatally.

It is this dire situation, not trans people themselves, that urgently needs to be addressed. Trans people have been around for centuries, withCultures around the world have long recognized and accepted gender fluidity and nonconformity.. They are here to stay, and their struggle for physical autonomy is linked and inextricably linked with movements for reproductive justice, access to abortion, racial justice, disability rights, and immigrant rights.

We believe everyone should celebrate Trans Day of Visibility and encourage allies and advocates who are pushing for everyone to be accepted. We also understand how scary life is for trans people today. As they yearn for greater visibility today and every day in their schools, workplaces and communities, many fear that living their truth could threaten their very essence. How can trans people not only survive, but thrive when they routinely face threats?

To better understand how to cope with this reality, maintain hope and honor Trans Day of Visibility, we spoke with four venerable trans leaders. Shelby Chestnut of the Transgender Law Center, Morey Riordan and Aryah Lester of the Transgender Strategy Center, and filmmaker and Disability Futures Fellow Tourmaline provide much-needed words of wisdom.

Shelby Chestnut, Diretora Executiva, Center for Transgender Law

What does Trans Day of Visibility mean to you?

I see it as a day of reflection and a moment of conscious celebration of trans life, leadership and victories. To honor the elders who came before us and discover how they can continue their legacy. This seems particularly important given that trans youth are under attack. How can we create this intergenerational connection in our church?

So today is a holiday, but it's also a day to stop and reflect on how to make a difference in people's lives, big and small. At TLC we value telling stories that share our strength and our hope. Trans people are an important part of our society and this is something everyone can celebrate. We must all work to create a more just world than the one we inherited.

What does a safe, just and equitable future look like for transgender people?

A safe, just and equitable future for trans people means we are also celebrated and seen as community leaders. It means the end of the policy designed to destroy us. Trans people have always been a part of history, but today we are facing a wave of forces that want to dehumanize and criminalize us simply for existing.

I wish that in the future trans people will no longer have to fight and defend our basic human rights and dignity. I would like to see a world where transgender people, especially children and their families, can appreciate ordinary things. I want them to be safe at school. I want the doctor to listen to you. I want them to be able to reveal their identities without fear that it will affect their survival.

A few years ago, I met a girl and her very supportive parents at a trans community event. My badge said "TLC" and the girl was so excited to think that I work for The Learning Channel. It was difficult, but I had to show him that I didn't work with dinosaurs a lot! At this point, I wish we lived in a world where trans kids could just be kids, focusing their joy on the stuff of childhood.

What is your message for trans people, especially young trans people, who are looking for hope and joy today?

It's a tough question in today's world, but I would say that you are important and that we are on your side. We'll do everything in our power to make sure it's not just alive, but thriving. You are a leader in your own life and in your community, and we trust your experience. I know you're under attack, but I still find moments to celebrate.

All hope is not lost. Trans people are valuable, they have our place in this world and there are many people who work to keep us safe, celebrated and respected. A few weeks ago, the largest gathering of transgenders and allies gathered at the Texas State Capitol. It was representative of the state's demographics, both racial, ethnic, and generational. Families came to support trans children and their loved ones. That's the kind of story we need to tell now. There's a big fight ahead, but if we all come together, we can face these times together with grace.

I would also encourage young trans people to keep up the good work on social media. They tell their stories, talk about issues and work to educate their audience.

Where can people learn more and get involved with your work?

Site web:https://transgenderlawcenter.org/
Social media:Facebook,Gore,Instagram

Morey Riordan, Founding Director and Aryah Lester, Associate Director, Center for Transgender Strategy

What does Trans Day of Visibility mean to you?

ALABAMA:Our Day of Visibility celebrates our community and the global movement for trans liberation. This allows us to educate trans and gender non-conforming people and give them their flowers.

HERR:Our community is truly a community of love and mutual support, and Trans Awareness Day is a celebration of laughter and stories. I hope there comes a day when we don't need the lens of memory, but it's not this year. And we hope that one day we will no longer need the lens of memory and can focus all our energies on strengthening our community, our visibility and our joy. Today is very bittersweet, but we will still give people flowers while recognizing what is happening around us.

What does a safe, just and equitable future look like for transgender people?

ALABAMA:My dream is that trans people can age, reach retirement age, have gray hair. There are so many obstacles now. We fight for the right to be ourselves. For medical care, stable housing, employment and mental health support. Live safely in our communities. Once we have that baseline support, we'll see our 80s and 90s.

HERR:Aryah and I met at an intergenerational training in Alabama, where participants ranged from 12 to 75 years old. There are many young trans people who can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times they have seen a gray haired trans person. Trans people don't take aging for granted.

We also want to see a world where philanthropic donors invite more transgender people to sit at decision-making tables and design initiatives for our communities, and where women's advocates recognize that trans women need and deserve their support.

What is your message for trans people, especially young trans people, who are looking for hope and joy today?

ALABAMA:I would advise trans youth to reach out to the current generation of seniors. The generational sharing of knowledge and experiences is critical to the survival of our community, and young people can expand on the stories of those who came before us, who paved the way for our community. Things are more hopeful now than ever. For those of us still going through trauma, there are many ways to unpack and deal with it. A big step is the intergenerational community.

HERR:What happens around us is not right. It may be hard to imagine, but it will pass. We are unstoppable. Trans and gender non-conforming people have always been here, and we are here to stay. I want the people of TGNC to know that they are making this world a better and brighter place. And that is an act of liberation and courage. Being your true self in this environment takes immense courage, and you are right about who you are. I want young people to know that they will find people to laugh and cry with. You will find your joy. everything will get better and we need you. They are the next group of leaders in our community.

Where can people learn more and get involved with your work?

Site web:https://www.transgenderstrategy.org/
Social media:LinkedIn,Facebook

Tourmaline, cineasta e 2020 Disability Futures Fellow

What does Trans Day of Visibility mean to you?

The meaning of this day has evolved throughout my life. Visibility today means having the power and ease to show yourself as you are at all times. I recently wrote a book on this very subject.Hatchhighlights a collection of beautiful trans and gender non-conforming voices, from Miss Major to Eric Stanley, reflecting on what it means to be visible in an age of rising violence against trans communities. This is really the visibility trap. Many of us have felt, thought and balanced this juxtaposition for some time.

Ultimately, visibility is figuring out how to be the fullest version of yourself in every moment and meeting others who share that vibe. I was recently in Selma, Alabama for work.The Knights and the Orchids, a black transgender organization active in agriculture, health care, and community outreach. You are a beacon of possibilities, a true embodiment of what it means to sparkle and shine through tough times. Your message is, “Hey, we got you. Come on, let's create something very special. And you can be a part of it too."

What does a safe, just and equitable future look like for transgender people?

When we can move around the world with ease and our basic needs are taken care of. First, we need health care, housing and food.

A safe, just and equitable future might look like what The Knights and Orchids are currently creating. They defend their community (food shortages are rampant in Selma and Montgomery) by literally planting seeds in the ground and then feeding everyone the fruits of their labor. What I see now is queer communities and TGNC innovating and finding what people need, whether it's a new food truck, freshly grown produce or safe injection sites. ANYold lady, my friend for decades who provides housing through House of Gigi in Little Rock, Arkansas.

What is your message for trans people, especially young trans people, who are looking for hope and joy today?

Give yourself all the permission in the world to take up space and quiet so you can think of more possibilities for this world. Don't forget that your life is precious. Although we are in the process of fighting for our right to be heard and to exist. And knowing the world we don't want gives us tremendous clarity about the world we do want.

Let's remember that many have been right where we are now. There is power in our creativity, and throughout history people have used what they didn't want as motivation to invent something they did. I work atmarsha johnsonBiography. She often talks about how her biggest ideas, about collective life and providing food aid to the community, came about when she lived in what she called hot spring hotels. In the midst of really difficult times, when we rest and sit down, we can make our biggest dreams come true. Simple things like choosing a nice outfit for the day or having a fun interaction with a friend can also be relaxing.

Finally, I believe in intergenerational connections and shared learning. Miss Major and I met while she was organizing in the Bay Area in the early 2000's. She was at Stonewall and her guidance taught me a lot about other people's strategies. their resistance tactics. Like daydreaming. as I grow. For example, can we find pleasure simply by drinking fresh water?

Where can people learn more and get involved with your work?

Social media:Facebook,Gore, YInstagram
Books:HatchYcaptive genres.
Film:Happy Birthday Marshall!It's on Amazon Prime.
Art: In New York, my work is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA and the Brooklyn Museum.