15 Ways to Acknowledge Transgender Day of Visibility 2021
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On March 31st 2021 we will be doing all we can to celebrate and support our fellow transgender community for Transgender Day of Visibility. We thought it would also be nice to create a post to help other people find their own way of spending the day…
What is Transgender Day of Visibility?
Transgender Day of Visibility is a day to recognise and celebrate all those who have contributed to change over the years, as well as celebrating the trans community of today. It’s also a day to acknowledge those we’ve lost, and raise awareness of the treatment and discrimination faced by the trans community on a day-to-day basis.
Being visible as a transgender person can be extremely difficult, scary, and even dangerous. Society still seems to struggle with the concept of being trans, and although plenty of us are fighting for this to change, we still need to do more.
This can be pretty exhausting, but the fight is 100% worth it if it means we get to live in peace and harmony, without judgement or shame. So, let’s get started on how we can all encourage the world to see transgender folk as equals, and with the rights and treatment they deserve.
15 Ways to Acknowledge Transgender Day of Visibility 2021
1. Find and follow new trans folk online
Finding new social accounts or blogs to follow and learn from can be a very good step in the right direction of being an ally to the trans community. Comment, share, and show your love and alliance, this is the only way we can move forward and create change. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter if you want to hang out 😉
2. Donate
If you can spare any pennies, find a genuine cause and donate. There are so many trans folk who are trying to plan and book their surgeries, so you could help change someone’s life! Zoey’s currently fundraising for her own surgery, you can find out more and donate here.
3. Learn from the past
Looking back over history and discovering transgender people who paved the way for future generations. From Marsha P. Johnson to Angela Morley, there’s a lot we can all learn from history. We just have to be open to try…
4. Celebrate today’s icons
When it comes to trans icons and trans folk to look up to, there are some lovely people to choose from. High profile people include Laverne Cox, Munroe Bergdorf and Elliot Paige, but if you’re looking for non-famous and homegrown accounts, then there’s accounts such as Cool 2 Be Trans, DannytheTransDad and Our Transitional Life, of course!
Finding more trans related content on your social media and celebrating it will only help when it comes to the visibility of the trans community.
5. Attend a virtual event
Attending a virtual event can be a great way to learn more and support the transgender community. Check out the event Transgender Day of Visibility over on Facebook, it’s free to attend and looks like a wonderful event indeed.
6. Support trans-led charities
Transgender and LGBTQ+ Charities work so hard to change the future and create a beautiful and safe present for trans folk. You can check out this post all about supporting trans folk and don’t forget, you can always buy something from our Pride Collection, from which 20% of profits are donated to Mermaids.
7. Educate yourself
Whether you search online, learn from trans folk on social media, or read a new book, educating yourself and learning more is always a good way to show respect and support to all and any trans folk, past and present.
For the adults, we’d suggest What the T? by Juno Dawson and for children we’d recommend I Am Jazz by Jazz Jennings and Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl? by Fox Fisher. You could also check out our post about gender related books for kids.
8. Protect your trans friends
Do your absolute best to call out transphobia, stick up for your trans friends, and generally be a good human when it comes to trans rights and equality. By protecting them from harm you are changing the future, creating a more inclusive and kind world for all.
9. Re-evaluate your language
It might be worth thinking about the language you use when interacting or talking about other people. Misgendering people can be a really triggering and damaging experience, so learning to adapt to non-gendered language, avoiding gendering people on the phone, and generally making an effort to consider a person’s feelings is such a huge step forward when it comes to trans inclusivity.
10. Sharing is caring
When you’re scrolling social media, don’t forget to share content from trans accounts. The same goes for liking, commenting and generally showing support and love.
11. Watch a documentary (or 2!)
There are emerging documentaries and other television and movie content that’s perfect for allies to learn from. For example, Disclosure on Netflix and Lily: A transgender Story on BBC are great places to start.
12. Host an event
Why not bring together allies, friends, and other LGBTQ+ folk to arrange your own event? You could host a walk or run and raise money for a transgender charity, or you could being everyone together virtually for a big party celebrating the trans friends and family in your life. This is a great way to show support and educate others.
13. Be inclusive
From supporting trans folk to use the toilet they choose, to encouraging and shouting for change, you can help shape the future for the trans community.
14. Don’t out your loved ones
No matter what, NEVER EVER ‘out’ someone who has come out as transgender (or any other identity) to you in private. This is their journey, and it’s their choice to be open with others in the time and way they choose.
15. Be the best ally you can be
Being the best ally you can be is essential to change. Defending trans folk, supporting trans folk and championing change, listening one on one to your trans friends if they need it, these are the best ways to be an ally.
It costs nothing but love and determination to be a trans ally, and it basically boils down to being a good human being.
We hope this has been a helpful post for you, and that you can find some way to recognise this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility.
If you have nay other ideas or thoughts, please pop them in the comments below…
Love Zoey and Kelly x
