TDOV – Recognising the achievements of trans and non-binary people

and raising awareness of the work still to be done.

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is held annually on the 31st of March. A more positive addition to the solemn Transgender Day of Remembrance, an occasion where we remember the lives of trans people lost to murder and suicide, TDOV is an opportunity for trans individuals to celebrate their own lives and to increase the visibility of the trans community. It would follow then that trans people are in control of their portrayal in the media and are directing the dialogue around trans issues. However, this is rarely the case.

Unfortunately, most of the public discussion about the rights of trans people is being led by individuals who are not members of the trans community. This illogical approach to resolving trans issues and achieving equality has resulted in publicised debates where people discuss their unfounded fears and feed into the negative rhetoric around trans people. The general discourse around trans issues seems to be unconsciously designed to silence trans people and inject fear into the uninformed public.

Whilst journalists and panellists argue over public toilets, changing rooms and school uniforms, the reality is that trans people are subjected to an inordinate amount of hatred and prejudice on a daily basis. For example, a report published by Stonewall and YouGov found that 53% of trans people in the UK have experienced a hate crime in the last 12 months.

The general public develops a single image of a trans person and disregards the intersectionality and diversity of the trans community. This results in trans people of colour and disabled trans people being almost completely ignored, despite the fact that they are more likely to experience discrimination.

Just because you see trans people being supported in public do not think the fight for equality is over or that there is enough visibility of trans people. The visibility of trans people will not resolve all the injustices the community faces, but it has an important role in showing the rest of the world that trans people exist, are as diverse as everyone else and deserve to be treated with respect.

We hope that in our work we can support the Trans and Queer community and create a safer world for all.

With love, Arcus.