Is visibility enough?
As we celebrate Trans Day of Visibility, it’s important to recognize the progress made in acknowledging and affirming transgender and nonbinary identities. While seeing more representation in media, politics, and everyday life is heartening, there’s a larger cause beneath the surface. While it’s a crucial step forward, visibility alone cannot tackle the multitude of challenges and discrimination that trans people face daily. Genuine support requires more than just acknowledgment—it involves the dismantling systemic barriers, advocating for equal rights, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. This year, we wanted to hear what trans and nonbinary think about what it means to go beyond visibility.
Trans people need more than visibility, we need:
Trans people want you to know that:
“Seeing us is not enough. We need justice for our trans siblings who have been murdered, oppressed, and discriminated against. We need legislation that will protect our trans siblings from further harm and give REAL legal consequences to those who murder, oppress, and discriminate.”
“We need to be cared about, helped, and equal.”
“Trans folks have been, and always will be, the life of the "party." We've been here throughout history, challenging autocratic leaders, waiving the rainbow alarm flag, and pressing for more rights and representation for marginalized communities. We hold ancient knowledge realized around the fire, chanting for change. Trans people are history-makers.”
“Making a world safer for trans people means a safer world for all of us. We all benefit from having basic needs met and living free from violence and discrimination, regardless of whether you are trans or not.”
“Trans people are already visible, but the lack of proper education not only in overall society but in the medical field, in the entertainment industry and further beyond causes not only confusion and room for inappropriate speculation in cisgender people but also unnecessary turbulence and distress in lives of transgender people who feel like they have to educate each and every person they meet who either don't understand or have incorrect, preconceived notions about gender diverse people. We deserve the right to care without picking and choosing insurance providers, places to practice faith, fitness centers, etc. We should not live in a culture where we must search out resources and add "trans-friendly" to that query.”
“Nowadays we’re being unnecessarily villainized as a political statement and I think now more than ever we need support from those around us. For me, having a support system with my fiancé and friends has been crucial for getting me through all of this.”
“In the modern world, it is harder for trans people to have a livelihood and survive/thrive than it is for cis people, especially for trans people of color. Trans people have unique struggles finding jobs, and many of us turn to methods of making money that are stigmatized or illegal (drug dealing or sex work) to survive. Trans people also sometimes use these methods to gain healthcare or HRT. For trans people to truly live and be accepted in the modern world, we need to have the same access to work opportunities and public services as anyone else.”
“You don’t have to “understand” someone just to be respectful to them.”
Listening to trans and nonbinary voices allows for us to understand what it takes to create a safer and better world for trans folks. As we work towards moving beyond visibility, let’s continue to learn, grow, and celebrate trans and nonbinary lives. Each person’s gender journey is unique and worthy of celebration. A heartfelt thank you to all who shared their thoughts and experiences through the survey. Your contributions are invaluable to the continuous work of building a more inclusive society where we can all thrive.
