Every year on the 31st March we observe International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Unfortunately we still live in a world where trans and non-binary people suffer abuse, discrimination and violence which really needs to stop!
Here at Joshua Lloyd we fully understand that there’s an uncomfortable amount of pressure on both trans and non-binary people to conform, change or prove their gender to others. We truly believe that everybody, regardless of their identity, sexual orientation or expression are completely valid as they are!
For these reasons, not only for TDoV but for our entire existence, we want to help empower trans people to celebrate who they truly are and to help encourage allies from around the world to share their voice of solidarity with the transgender community!
What is Transgender?
Transgender people are those who have a gender identity or expression which differs to the sex they were assigned at birth. Some Transgender people are happy with identifying as their chosen gender identity, however those that desire medical assistance to transition from one sex to another may identify as Transsexual.
Transgender itself is an umbrella term whilst also including those whose gender identity is opposite to their assigned sex at birth. Transgender may also include people that are not solely masculine or feminine, such as non-binary or genderqueer/genderfluid people.
Often misunderstood, transgender differs to sexual orientation. Transgender people may decline to label their sexual orientation or may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or asexual to name a few.
What are the colours of the Transgender Pride Flag?
The Transgender Pride Flag was created back in 1999 by Trans woman Monica Helms, for this reason you may also hear the expression ‘Monica Helms flag’.
The blue stripes in the flag represent men, the pink striped for representation of women whilst the centered white stripe represents those who don’t neatly fit into the gender binary and for Intersex people.
History of Transgender Day of Visibility
TDoV was originally founded by transgender activist Rachel Crandall of Michigan back in 2009, as a a reaction to the lack of LGBTQ+ Key Dates which recognised trans people. They cited that although there was the Transgender Day of Remembrance, this day only mourned the murders of transgender people and had no acknowledgment or celebration of living members of the Trans community.
Since its first date of observation on the 31st March, 2009; International Transgender Day of Visibility has since been spearheaded by the US-based youth advocacy organisation ‘Trans Student Educational Resources’.
Transgender Day of Visibility Today
TDoV celebrates the resilience and success of both transgender and gender non-conforming people, whilst raising further much needed awareness of transgender rights internationally.
With 2020-2021 unfortunately being the most deadliest year on record for the trans community, it’s evident that TDoV is now more important than ever before.
TDoV is still organised by the Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER) who state “We encourage you to have discussions, create direct actions, and spread knowledge about the trans community no matter where you are! You can also join our Facebook event and use hashtag #tdov on social media.”
TDoV usually follows a theme each year however due to Coronavirus, and for the first time since 2012, there is no current theme for TDoV this year but there’s still so many ways to get involved virtually!
How to get involved?
There are so many ways to get involved with International Transgender Day of Visibility! Even though TDoV is the core focused time to help raise further awareness and celebration of the trans community, there is never a wrong time to help raise and talk about issues faced by transgender people and ways to increase acceptance of the community.
Donate
In addition to a portion of all sales at Joshua Lloyd being donated directly to our corporate charity partner LGBT Foundation through the Joshua Lloyd Charity Association, you can also donate directly to trans organisations and charities which can be found here.
Improve Yourself
TDoV is a great time to educate yourself further on the trans community. By committing to being a better ally to trans and non-binary people. If you need further information on any of the LGBTQ+ community we have a large collection of informative blogs and articles on our website to help increase your knowledge and acceptance.
Get Social
As with every LGBTQ+ key date, we will be sharing important content across our socials, please feel free to share them to help raise important awareness using #lloydlabel
By sharing your own voice or amplifying others within the trans community you can help raise further, much needed awareness for transgender people and the struggles they still unfortunately face within current society around the world.
Transgender Clothing & Accessories
Did you know we stock a wide range of transgender clothing and accessories here at Joshua Lloyd. In addition to pride events, TDoV is a great time to showcase your transgender products to create further visibility.