The International Trans Day of Visibility (TDoV) is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating trans people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide (The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity). US transgender activist Rachel Crandall founded the day in 2009 in response to the lack of recognition of transgender people and their incredible work for LGBT rights. The only well-known transgender-centered day was the Transgender Day of Remembrance which mourned the murders of transgender people but did not acknowledge and celebrate living members of the transgender community. #TDoV brings awareness to the need for trans liberation and to the fact that trans folks come in different shapes and sizes.
Various organizations in Guelph including Guelph Pride and University of Guelph groups such as Guelph Queer Equality host events on this day to encourage learning and celebration of trans voices. This year, the Ontario Tech University and the University of Guelph are hosting a Transgender Day of Visibility Panel. The panel will consist of current transgender and/or non-binary students and alumni from Ontario Tech and the University of Guelph. Panelists will be sharing what Trans Day of Visibility means to them, what they love about being trans, tips they have for allies, and much more.
Feel free to check out one or all of the resources below to celebrate #TDoV! We would also love to hear from you: Share who your favourite trans artists are on social media and promote their music and work! Make sure to tag us so we can share your posts.
- Trans* 101 Glossary – Canadian Aids Society
- Being an Effective Trans Ally – The 519
- Trans Activism in Canada – A Reader
- 11 Transgender & Non-Binary Musicians You Need to Know – Billboard
