What is it? International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. The intention is to involve all people from all countries to come together to acknowledge and affirm the identities and existence of transgender people as real, valid and valuable. The day was founded by Rachel Crandall of Michigan in 2009. As a transgender activist, Crandall created this day as a reaction to the lack of LGBT recognition of transgender people, citing the frustration that the only well-known transgender-centered day was the Transgender Day of Remembrance. This is an annual day to mourn and acknowledge the murders of transgender people. While this is crucially important, Crandall realized that the media and the world were only acknowledging the horrible atrocities against transgender people. She recognized the importance of seeing and celebrating living, thriving members of the transgender community. The world has since followed suit. The first International Transgender Day of Visibility was held on March 31, 2009.
March 31st: International Day of Transgender Visibility
