Transgender lives have been changing the world since the Stonewall Riots. The unrelenting advocacy for transgender rights has shone light on the community and brought people together in their support. Thus, creating the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Keep reading to learn more about the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Origin
International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) originated in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall. The day is celebrated annually on March 31st. It acknowledges the accomplishments in the trans (short for transgender) community and brings light to outgoing issues and violence.
Prior to the existence of the TDOV, there was the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which remembers the lives lost in transphobic hate crimes. TDOV helps to uplift trans voices and support them on this day.
Transgender Flag
Created in 1999, the transgender flag was made by Monica Helms, a trans woman. The flag features three colors: pink, blue, and white. The pink represents girls, and the blue represents boys. White symbolizes the people who are transitioning, neutral gender, intersex, and have no gender. Furthermore, the flag’s colors will be correct no matter the direction. This illustrates finding correctness in trans lives.
Transgender Activist
One person who set off the movement for transgender advocacy was Marsha P. Johnson. Back in 1969, Marsha P. Johnson, a trans woman, threw the first brick at Stonewall. Stonewall was a series of riots that occurred at the Stonewall Inn between LGBTQ+ members and police forces. Since Stonewall, LGBTQ+ organizations and voices of support have opened, encouraging the first pride parade, held a year later in 1970. This pride parade has opened opportunities to hold further LGBTQ+ holidays, such as the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Holding days of celebration for underrepresented communities rallies and allows other people to hear their cause. International Transgender Day of Visibility is a celebration for allies and LGBTQ+ members to participate in. Prominent activists in trans history paved the way for liberation, and their messages carry on throughout time.
For more informative articles, visit the Ferry Godmother Productions website.