Trans Day of Visibility 2022

Trans Day of Visibility takes place annually on March 31 - it’s an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate trans and non-binary people.

The transgender community continues to face discrimination and injustice worldwide, be it in the workplace, schools or society. Harassment, violence and inequality are all common experiences for trans and non-binary people.

Trans and non-binary people are often under pressure to be 'more' than they are. Today is about being proud of who the trans community are, just as they are!

What can you do?

Respect names and pronouns - Do not ask a trans or non-binary person what their "real" name is.  Respect the name and pronouns they have asked you to use. If you make a mistake, simply apologise, correct yourself and move on. If you're not sure what pronouns to use for someone, it's okay to ask — but share your own pronouns too.

Avoid assumptions - Trans and non-binary people do not all look a certain way, and you do not have to look a certain way to be a certain gender. A person's gender expression – i.e. their clothes, voice, mannerisms, or other aspects of their appearance – may not always reflect their gender identity in the way you might expect.

Listen and trust trans people on their identities and experience - A trans or non-binary person is the expert on their own experiences. There is no one "right" way to be trans; every trans person has a unique experience. Some trans people experience gender dysphoria; others do not. Some trans people want to medically transition; others do not.

Support trans people using the bathrooms they wish to use -  Supporting and advocating for gender-neutral bathrooms is a great way to be an ally. Gender-neutral bathrooms can be a safer option for trans people who are afraid of experiencing transphobia in binary bathrooms; they are also inclusive of non-binary people.

Be careful about confidentiality and "outing" - Some trans people feel comfortable telling others about their gender history; some do not. If someone comes out to you as trans or non-binary, do not share this information with others without their consent. Let them choose if and how they want to tell other people.

Challenge transphobia - If you hear transphobic language or jokes, call them out. If you hear someone misgendering a trans or non-binary person, correct them and make sure they know what the right words to use are