Trans Day of Visibility
March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility.
Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) offers an opportunity to celebrate our trans and gender diverse (TGD) communities and elevate their voices.
Why is Trans Day of Visibility Important?
For many trans and gender diverse people, there can be a lack of representation, role models and support. This can make it challenging for TGD people to feel proud of their identities. Visibility and advocacy across all areas of our community can also help create a safe and welcoming environment.
The Writing Themselves In 4 study released in 2021, revealed that over two thirds of young TGD people reported feeling unsafe or uncomfortable in their education setting. The report also revealed TGD communities experience high levels of psychological distress, harassment, self-harm and suicide ideation.
How to support TGD communities
Everyone can show their support to trans and gender diverse people in various ways, including:
- Workforce training and professional development
- Learning about pronouns and using them respectfully
- Supporting local community groups
- Put up posters, artwork, flags, and pride gear
- Speak up and call out discrimination where possible
Being an ally means acknowledging the lived experiences of TGD people while educating ourselves. We can also offer our support to stand alongside the community and empower the voices of trans and gender diverse people to remain at the centre of advocacy.
Further information & support for TGD communities
There are several avenues and services available if you require further support.
- SHINE SA’s Gender Wellbeing Service; a FREE peer-based service available for people in metro Adelaide who identify or support someone that is trans, gender diverse or gender questioning
- Thorne Harbour Health offer LGBTIQ+ specific support services to individuals who may be seeking support in regards to alcohol and substance use at The Cottage, located in Adelaide, SA
- Thorne Harbour hosts a number of online peer workshops for TGD people including Novus for trans women, Pace for trans men, and Rise for non-binary and gender diverse people.
- SHINE SA’s Gender Connect Country SA support service is a phone service for trans, gender diverse, gender-questioning people and people who support them to have confidential conversations with peer workers.
- The Trans Health SA page, created by TransMascSA, offers helpful factsheets and various resources for South Australia’s trans and gender diverse community and people who support them
- SHINE SA offers various resources, fact sheets, posters, guides, and more at their online shop
- Trans Day of Visibility website
- Minus 18’s How to be a trans ally
- Minus 18’s FREE video series, Trans 101
