A person wearing a transgender flag as a cape at the Women's march in Washington D.C.

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How to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility

Here's how to show support where you live today.

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Posted on Mar 31, 2018   Updated on May 21, 2021, 7:59 pm CDT

BY BRANDI NEAL

March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to “bring attention to the accomplishments of trans people around the globe while fighting cissexism and transphobia by spreading knowledge of the trans community,” according to Trans Student Educational Resources. These events to attend on Transgender Day Of Visibility 2018 encourage you to engage in discussions, take action, and celebrate the transgender community. TSER noted that their 2018 theme is “surviving, thriving” (#TransThriving), and they’re hosting a Facebook event for people to connect with each other during TDOV 2018.

“We are not only surviving the Trump regime but we are making strides to transform how people think about gender around the world. In the increasingly transphobic global political climate, we must use our newfound visibility to mobilize trans people against oppression. Speaking out, taking direct action, and educating others is critical to our safety and wellbeing,” TSER explained on its Facebook event page. “This recognizes that while visibility is important, we must take action against transphobia. Visibility is not enough alone to bring transgender liberation. However, we can use visibility as a vital tool for transgender justice.” If you want to get involved, consider attending one of these events in support of Transgender Day Of Visibility 2018.

1) Visibility Into Action, San Francisco

https://twitter.com/ClairJoyFarley/status/979757508687310848

If you’re in the Bay area, a TDOV event at SOMArts promises a magical evening celebrating community and acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. “Despite increased national media visibility, 2017 goes on record as one of the most dangerous years for transgender and gender non-conforming people, with alarming rates of violence, homicides, and suicides — specifically impacting trans women of color and youth,” the event description noted. Performing at the event will be Star Amerasu, Mireya Aguirre, Anand Kalra, and Nori Reed, Erica Kane Anderson, Davia Spain with Peacock Rebellion.

2) Rattle the Walls, Chicago

In Chicago, Rattle the Walls is hosting an evening of music at Center on Halsted featuring trans and LGBTQ composers, performers, and ensembles of jazz, rock, classical, and avant-garde music to celebrate trans visibility through art.

3) “Growing Up Coy” screening, multiple cities

For folks in Alabama, there will be a free screening of the documentary Growing Up Coy in Florence, Ala. Made by Eric Juhola and Jeremy Nathaniel Stulberg, this documentary about one family’s landmark case for transgender equality in Colorado follows 6-year-old Coy Mathis, a trans girl who fought for her right to use the girl’s bathroom in her elementary school. If you can’t make it to the screening, the documentary is also available on Netflix.

4) TSER Transgender Day of Visibility 2018 Facebook event

 You can join TSER’s virtual day of support for TDOV by attending their Facebook event to engage with others supporting and fighting for trans rights.

5) UnRestroom panel discussion, Kansas City

In Kansas City, Mo., the Kansas City Center for Inclusion, in partnership with Unrestrooms, an exhibition on gender and public restrooms, is hosting a panel discussion on rights, equality, and bathroom access for trans and gender-nonconforming people. After the panel there will be a screening of the short film black enuf* followed by a panel discussion about the challenges of navigating growing up queer.

6) Trans Art Showcase and Stories of Truth, Power & Positivity, Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Trans Foundation and the Grand Rapids Pride Center are hosting an art and storytelling showcase in Grand Rapids, Mich., featuring art by and for the trans community. The event at the University Club of Grand Rapids begins at 6 p.m.

7) Trans Rights Rally, Corpus Christi

If you’re in Texas, trans activist Kathy Huff is hosting a trans rights rally in Corpus Christi at Sherrill Park. “Texas does not have protection from discrimination and hate against trans individuals,” Huff wrote on her Facebook event page. “I have chosen Transgender Day of Visibility to rally against the hate and bring the community together to vote for change and demand our constitutional equal rights.”

8) Transgender Day of Visibility Canvass, Massachusetts

https://twitter.com/ActCal/status/979168791992168449

In New England, Freedom for all Massachusetts is hosting a day of canvassing to educate voters about the importance of upholding #TransLawMA, which protects the rights of trans people in Massachusetts. New to canvassing? Don’t worry; they’ll train you.

9) Transgender Day of Visibility Virtual Event, Charlotte

Time Out Youth Center GSA Network from Charlotte, N.C. is hosting a virtual Facebook event where people can connect to have discussions and show their support for the trans community.

10) Transgender Day of Visibility: Cincinnati

In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Transgender Community of Greater Cincinnati is hosting an all-ages event for TDOV at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. This year’s theme is successes and strengths. “It is important to take a minute to collect ourselves and reflect on the obstacles that we as individuals (and as a community) have overcome,” the Facebook event page noted. “In our accomplishments we are able to gather strength, regroup, and rebuild.”

For a full list of TDOV events happening near you, and around the world, check Facebook events, or participate virtually with the hashtag #TransThriving.

 

This story originally appeared on Bustle and has been republished with permission.

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*First Published: Mar 31, 2018, 5:00 am CDT