International Transgender Day of Visibility
International Transgender Day of Visibility (or TDOV), commemorated since March 31, 2009, is a day of recognition, empowerment, and celebration of trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary (TTNB) people. TDOV sheds light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by TTNB people and acknowledges the importance of fostering inclusivity and understanding within our communities. TDOV continues to be an important reminder that TTNB people have and continued to exist across cultures and throughout time.
Today – and every day – it’s important to highlight the accomplishments and experiences of TTNB people across the province. For cisgender allies, increasing awareness and knowledge can help make our communities safer overall.
To mark this year’s TDOV we want to highlight opportunities to learn from TTNB people and others with direct experience:
- Sharing our stories can be a powerful way to help each other understand perspectives and concepts that may be unfamiliar or new. Story sharing also supports TTNB people, their families, loved ones and providers in feeling connected to one another, even across great distances. The We Are Allies website includes stories from TTNB young people, their families, Indigenous knowledge keepers and health professionals.
- Trans Care BC’s new clinical course, Gender-Affirming Conversations, supports clinicians who are relatively new to providing gender-affirming care to build their confidence interacting with trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary (TTNB) people. The course explores the practice of universal gender screening in history taking, ways to provide patients opportunities to self-identify their gender and related care needs, an overview of gender-affirming treatment options and resources where providers can access support from experienced clinicians.
TDOV is a step in creating a world where everyone is valued, respected and celebrated for who they are.
Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility!