Transgender Day of Visibility: What It Is & How to Celebrate

Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an annual event dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of the discrimination they face worldwide. Unlike Transgender Awareness Week, which focuses on education and advocacy leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, TDOV is a day dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the visibility and achievements of transgender individuals.

Observed on March 31st each year, TDOV was founded in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall to counteract the negative narratives often associated with transgender lives. This day provides an opportunity to acknowledge trans achievements, educate society, and advocate for equal rights.

Why is Transgender Day of Visibility Important?

Despite growing representation and legal advancements, transgender people still face significant challenges. Recent statistics indicate that hate crimes against transgender individuals in England and Wales have seen a significant increase over the past five years. According to Stonewall, there has been a 186% rise in reported transphobic hate crimes during this period. In the year ending March 2024, police recorded 4,780 hate crimes against transgender people, which, despite being a 2% decrease from the previous year, reflects a substantial long-term upward trend.

A recent YouGov poll (2024) has highlighted increasing anti-trans sentiment in the UK. The research showed growing scepticism towards trans rights, even among traditionally progressive demographics such as young people and women. Key findings include:

• Support for legally changing gender has declined among women from 44% in 2022 to 37% in 2023, while opposition rose from 32% to 42%.
• Among 18-24-year-olds, support for legal gender change dropped by 7 percentage points, now at 50%.
• The percentage of people who believe individuals should not be able to socially identify as a different gender increased by 8 points to 25%.
• 57% of respondents said trans healthcare treatments should not be provided by the NHS, a rise from previous years.

This shift in public opinion mirrors anti-trans rhetoric increasingly present in political and media discourse. The UK government has maintained a commitment to modernising the Gender Recognition Act, but reports suggest continued barriers to progressive reform.

By celebrating TDOV, individuals and organisations can help foster understanding, reduce stigma, and promote inclusivity for transgender people in workplaces, schools, and communities.

How to Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility

Whether you are a business, an educator, or an individual, there are many ways to mark TDOV and show solidarity with the transgender community. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate:

1. Educate Yourself and Others

Understanding transgender issues is crucial in building an inclusive society. Read books, watch documentaries, and follow trans activists on social media to learn more about their experiences. Recommended reads include:

• What it Feels Like For a Girl – Paris Lees

• What’s the T? – Juno Dawson

• The Queer Allies Bible – NV Gay

2. Amplify Trans Voices

Support transgender content creators, activists, and artists by sharing their work on social media. Consider following influencers such as Matt Ellison, Dylan Holloway, and Fox and Owl Fisher, who advocate for trans rights and visibility.

Encourage trans individuals to share their stories, whether through blogs, panel discussions, or media features. Personal narratives help to humanise experiences and foster empathy.

3. Support Trans-Led Organisations

Donating to charities and organisations that support trans rights can make a meaningful difference. Consider contributing to:

• Athlete Ally – Advocates for LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport, ensuring everyone can compete as their authentic selves. Ambassador: Charlie Martin.

• SEE Change Happen Consultancy – Works with organisations to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. CEO: Joanne Lockwood.

• Cool2BTrans – A pioneering platform dedicated to supporting and empowering transgender people while fostering greater understanding and acceptance in society. Founder: Katie Neeves.

According to The LGBT Foundation, nearly half (48%) of transgender people in the UK have attempted suicide at some point in their lives. Supporting mental health and advocacy groups can be life-saving.

4. Advocate for Inclusive Policies

For businesses and educational institutions, TDOV presents an ideal opportunity to review and enhance policies on diversity and inclusion. Key steps include introducing gender-neutral facilities, updating workplace policies to ensure comprehensive protections for trans individuals, and adopting inclusive language.

Workplaces can also foster a culture of acceptance and respect by inviting transgender speakers to lead workshops or share their experiences. This not only raises awareness but also encourages meaningful dialogue.

Our outstanding roster of speakers can support you in this endeavour: LGBT Speakers – Transgender Speakers.

5. Use Correct Pronouns and Names

A simple yet powerful act of allyship is respecting people’s chosen names and pronouns. If unsure, ask politely or include pronouns in email signatures and social media profiles to normalise their usage.

Example:

• “Hi, my name is Alex, and my pronouns are they/them. What about you?”

6. Attend or Organise TDOV Events

Many LGBTQ+ organisations host events such as panel discussions, art exhibitions, and community gatherings. Taking part in these events is a meaningful way to show support and gain insight from trans perspectives.

If you’re in a workplace setting, consider organising a trans awareness workshop led by an expert. This can help improve team understanding and contribute to a more inclusive work environment.

For guidance on planning an inclusive LGBTQ+ event, read our blog here: How to Organise Inclusion Training & Book an LGBT Speaker.

7. Show Your Support Publicly

If you are a business or influencer, take a stand in support of transgender visibility by making a public statement. Update your social media banners, share valuable resources, and celebrate the achievements of trans employees to demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion.

For further support, our allyship speakers can assist in this important effort: LGBT+ Allyship Speakers.

8. Engage with Policy Changes

Advocate for policies supporting trans rights, such as easier access to legal gender recognition and healthcare. Writing to local MPs, signing petitions, and attending protests can amplify the call for equality.

Speakers Who Can Help:

• Julie Miller:

A former army officer with a 25-year career, Julie Miller now uses her expertise to advocate for trans rights. As a trans woman, she navigates daily challenges in a transphobic society. She delivers the engaging talk Bluffer’s Guide to Transgender, offering a light-hearted yet impactful insight into transgender experiences and the importance of acceptance.

• Rico Jacob Chace:

A leading trans activist, Rico is Head of Trans Inclusion at UK Black Pride and a Trustee at LGBT+ Consortium. His advocacy spans law reform, media, and education, including his 16th Century Campaign tackling misinformation. A Make Me Prime Minister semi-finalist and Harvard scholar, he speaks globally on trans rights, intersectionality, and social justice.

• Oscar Hoyle:

Founder of Blossom LGBT CIC, Oscar Hoyle is a passionate non-binary advocate creating sober spaces for LGBT+ young adults. An experienced speaker, they’ve worked with organisations like the Bank of England and Tesco, sharing insights on trans and non-binary inclusion. Their activism focuses on community support, education, and driving real change in LGBTQ+ equality.

Final Thoughts

Transgender Day of Visibility is not just a celebration—it is a call to action. While visibility is important, it must be accompanied by systemic change to improve the lives of transgender individuals worldwide.

With growing anti-trans sentiment, the role of allies, educators, and policymakers is more crucial than ever. By taking the time to learn, amplify voices, and advocate for inclusivity, we can help create a society where transgender people are not just visible, but valued and respected.

For organisations interested in hiring a transgender speakers who can create an inclusive work environment, browse The LGBT Speakers Agency’s roster of talented keynote speakers, and contact us today to discuss your options. Call 0203 9816 265 or complete our online contact form today to discuss the prospects of hiring an LGBT speaker for your future events.