Happy Transgender Day of Visibility! You know, I wasn’t even going to write a post. But then I realized not everyone actually knows what this day is. Yeah, people repost things on their Instagram stories in solidarity, but anyone can do that.
Someone get me a button that says baby’s first trans day of visibility.
What is the International Transgender Day of Visibility?
International Transgender Day of Visibility, often simply Trans Day of Visibility, is an annual event dedicated to celebrating transgender people raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people, and acknowledging their contributions to society. (Wiki)
When did it originate?
The event was created by transgender activist[4] Rachel Crandall Crocker of Michigan in 2009[5] as a reaction to the lack of LGBTQ+ recognition of transgender people, citing the frustration that the only well-known transgender-centered day was the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which mourned the murders of transgender people, but did not acknowledge and celebrate living members of the transgender community. President Barack Obama and Vice President Biden first acknowledged this day for the transgender community; however, at that time no proclamation was signed. (Wiki)
Why is this day important?
Even though there are more than 2 million people in the US who identify as transgender, we make up LESS THAN 1% of the population. Although it’s important to mourn the murder of trans people, it’s also just as important to acknowledge those who are still fighting every day to just be themselves. This day revolves around support and recognition while also bringing to light the atrocities that happen to us often.
My thoughts
More people are struggling with their identity than they let on. Forcing yourself to adhere to social norms based on the binary scale hinder your self expression. Once you free yourself from your shackles, you’ll find how much happier you are. Just because you identify as something, doesn’t mean you stop liking what you like.
Trans people are not bothering you. They’re not taking away your manhood or womanhood. They’re not giving you a bad rep. Your gender is not your worth. There are forces at work actively trying to silence the transgender community. Whether it be media or laws. But even if every piece of media was straight and every single law prohibited trans people from getting the care they needed, we still exist.
Let me repeat; we still exist. We’ve always existed.
You can close your eyes and turn your head, but we will still be there. It takes more energy to hate. I don’t understand why those who hate so much let it consume them. That’s a draining life, and we only get one.
I’m going to be honest. For a while I was ashamed to be trans. Part of me didn’t want to come out because I would have to actually tell people I was trans, and that’s a little embarrassing. Even people who support it, I’d have to hear them always say “congratulations” and “I’m so proud of you.” Which, I’m not complaining about. But I didn’t want the attention. I didn’t want people to fetishize me and treat me like some exotic zoo animal. Most of these people do mean well, though.
People don’t like what they don’t understand. And the thing is, you don’t have to understand it. You just should be nice. The way you act is a vote for your character, not mine. And regardless of the hate, I will prevail. I do not need acceptance and support. Yes, they are sometimes crucial for people and I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t struggle without it. But at the end of the day, my validity is not based on if someone accepts me or not.
Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility. Send your trans friend $5.
