Thursday, March 31st was International Transgender Day of Visibility. This day is for celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender nonconforming people, while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve transgender justice.

Celebrate Transgender and Nonbinary Voices  

Transgender and gender non-conforming people have long been kept out of the history books and out of media. In recent years, social media and mainstream media have finally opened some doors to trans creators and activists, providing a larger platform where they have been able to share their stories and accomplishments in their own voices. Here are some of the trans and gender non-conforming people who are sharing their art, fighting for trans rights, and working to live their lives as their truest selves:

5 Young Transgender Activists to Know on Trans Day of Visibility

10 Transgender Youth Who Are Changing The World

Voices of 38 Trans and Gender Non-conforming People

12 Trans Women and Non-Binary Activists You Should Have Learned About in History Class

25 Trans Celebrities Breaking Boundaries in Hollywood

Fighting for Transgender Justice

As social acceptance of transgender and gender non-conforming people grows, so has an anti-trans movement working to restrict human rights for trans people. In the first three months of 2022, 240 anti-LBGTQ bills have been filed across the country, many targeting trans youth. These bills focus on trans medical care, access to changing designated sex on identification documents, participation in sports, and the ability of teachers and parents to freely support trans children in their identities. The impacts of these types of laws are well documented by organizations like The Trevor Project, who have found repeatedly that denying trans youth acceptance, support, and affirming medical care leads to negative mental health outcomes, and too often suicide. 

Transgender rights are human rights and are a part of our ABAR work at SVCMS. If your family is interested in fighting for justice for transgender and gender non-conforming people, here are some suggestions to get you started:

Learn the Myths and Facts: Battling Disinformation About Transgender Rights

Support local organizations fighting for trans rights in specific states like Texas

Support national organizations fighting for trans right 

Sponsor the purchase of an inclusive book at our local library 

Normalize asking for and using correct pronouns

How to Be An Ally

Everyone can use a reminder of how to be a supportive ally to our trans and gender non-conforming family and friends. Straight for Equality provides these 10 ways to be an ally: 

1. Learn more about the unique experiences of people who are trans by seeking out varied stories in print, in film, online, and in life. 
2. Accept that people have the right to define who they are, regardless of assigned sex or your perception of their physical appearance. 
3. Ask respectful and appropriate questions, but recognize that you do not deserve an answer just because you’re curious. If someone doesn’t want to discuss something, ask if they can suggest a resource that they think would be helpful to you. 
4. Familiarize yourself with resources and tools that you can use to educate others about gender identity, gender expression, and the gender spectrum. 
5. Remember that if you’re feeling uncomfortable, it’s for you to reflect on, not the person who is trans to fix for you. 
6. Vocalize inclusion by adding your personal pronouns to verbal introductions, e-mail signatures, professional bios, nametags, LinkedIn profiles, etc. 
7. Be mindful of terms, phrases, and colloquialisms that reinforce gender as a binary construct (e.g., ladies and gentleman, you guys, dude, etc.) 
8. Commemorate and celebrate annual events including the Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31), International Pronouns Day (the third Wednesday of October each year), and the Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20).
9. Raise your voice, and elevate the voices of others, to bring focus to the epidemic of violence that trans people face in the US and around the world. 
10. Stand up against anti-trans legislation at the local, state, and federal level and support legislation that celebrates gender diversity. 

Resources for Family and Friends

If you have a family member or friend who needs support with their gender identity, here are some resources to share:
OUT Boulder County
Trans LifeLine (877) 565-8860
The Trevor Project
GLAAD 
Children’s Hospital Colorado 

EVENT REMINDER: THIS MONDAY APRIL 4TH
ABAR Book Club & Discussion Group

This Spring, the ABAR Book Club will be reading the book How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi. If you are interested in joining us, please complete this form to be added to the email list. There is no expectation that you will attend every meeting. In fact, we encourage you to join the email list even if you are busy and unsure whether you’ll make every meeting. The book club discussion will be held via Zoom.

The Longmont Library has multiple copies available, as well an excellent audiobook version available on the Libby or OverDrive apps. Join us to learn, discuss questions, and share insights!