International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) is an event celebrated annually on 31 March, shining a spotlight on trans and gender non-conforming people around the globe.
International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) is an event celebrated annually on 31 March. Founded by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, a Michigan-based psychotherapist, the International Transgender Day of Visibility was established in response to the lack of an event to honour trans folk, and to compliment its autumn counterpart, the Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR).
In an interview last year, Rachel said “I was upset that the only day that we had was Transgender Day of Remembrance, because I tend to get really depressed on that day. I wanted a day when, rather than talking about those who passed away, we could talk about those of us who were alive. And I wanted a day that would bring together trans people from all over the world.”
TDoV day shines a spotlight on trans and gender non-conforming people around the globe, recognising their achievements as well as raising awareness of the issues this diverse community continues to face, including combating transphobia, discrimination, bullying and harassment.
At Queen Mary we are committed to marking International Transgender Day of Visibility as we want to create an inclusive environment where the contributions of our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming staff and students are celebrated, and where the University is a place where everyone can be themselves and be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
Listening to trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming voices telling their own stories is one of the most important things you can do to find out more about the community.
As part of celebrating LGBTQA+ History Month, Queen Mary published a list of recommended podcasts and books. Many of these explore the lived experiences of trans people.
Some further suggested resources include this TEDx Talk in which Leng Montgomery, a Diversity & Inclusion Leader talks about his story and those of other trans people, and explores the importance of ensuring that the voices of transgender people are present in the mainstream media. My Genderation is an ongoing film project focusing on trans lives and trans experiences. All content is created by trans people, about trans people, for a much wider audience.
Galop
Community safety charity for LGBT people giving advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Galop also supports LGBT who encounter problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.
Gender Identity Research & Education Society (GIRES)
A UK wide organisation whose purpose is to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages, including those who are non-binary and non-gender.
Gendered Intelligence (GI)
A not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Their aim to increase understandings of gender diversity. GI work with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives, specialising in supporting young trans people aged 8-25.
Mermaids
Supports young gender variant people.
Press for Change (PFC)
PFC is a key lobbying and legal support organisation for Trans people in the UK. They provide legal advice, training, and research for trans people, their representatives. PFC has worked regularly with the government and partner trans organisations to inform government legislation affecting the trans community.
Switchboard
Switchboard is a helpline provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT.
TransBareAll
A trans led, voluntary organisation that works with trans people to explore feelings and decisions around bodies, sexual health and intimacy. TransBareAll believes in improving the health and wellbeing of trans people and provide a space for trans people to discuss and explore things that impacts their lives.
TransUnite
A comprehensive resource for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community. TransUnite connects you to a network of groups throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and can be split into physical local and online groups.