Trans Day of Visibility

This week, I wanted to take a minute and acknowledge the Trans Day of Visibility coming up on March 31st. As a therapist and trans woman, I understand the importance of being visible, especially in a political environment that’s hostile to our existence. When I reflect on my own coming out story and life experiences, I remember what it was like to feel invisible. The only examples of trans people I saw were on Jerry Springer or as the butt of the joke in whatever evening comedy was on. It felt like everyone knew we existed and laughed at us, but denied we were there at the same time. For me that sums up much of what it is like to be trans in many of our families, social and cultural environments, schools, work environments and pretty much every institution in this country. We’re both the boogey man and an insignificant bug that can be stamped out at any moment.

As much as I think we need significant societal change, there are times that even recognizing another trans person in the world is a comfort. Throughout my career I’ve often been the only trans person that has ever worked at that organization and many of my experiences were hostile. I wasn’t able to change many of the problems there by myself, but I did recognize that my trans clients saw me. I saw them. And we knew we weren’t alone.

I come across many trans people that have suffered family rejection, exclusion and harm from their environments as a result of their gender identity or expression. We offer a perspective to the world that is powerful and dangerous to the status quo; we’re a sign that things don’t have to continue to exist as they are. That no matter how challenging the road ahead may be, we are all capable of change and growth; that we don’t have to accept the roles that are thrust on us. As resilient and luminescent as trans people are, I know that we are uniquely vulnerable to the threats posed against us. Its more important than ever that we band together and use any resources at our disposal; we’re stronger together. For me, this week is an urgent reminder to acknowledge where some parts of the political conversation are while also keeping an eye out for other trans people to rally together for a better future.