By Emily Rafuse
Accessibility and Human Rights Intern, 5th year English Major, Acadia University Student

March 31st, 2024 is International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day of celebration and a day to ensure that the transgender community can be visible safely.

While being transgender does not necessarily mean being visible, being visible as a transgender person can be dangerous – not because trans people are dangerous – but because society is not welcoming or inclusive to everyone. So, with this in mind, why do we celebrate the International Transgender Day of Visibility?

We recognize today because we want to create a world where transgender people can be safely visible, and where our differences can be celebrated visibly.

In her Times article, “Imara Jones: Why Black Trans Women are Essential to Our Future,” Imara Jones posits that “The future is trans” and “We are creating a future less defined by gender roles, and defined more by what we can create than what we can destroy. And because we’ve already had to do this work, we are essential to building this future” (Times 2020).

Did you know that Acadia University has a Gender Diversity Workplace Inclusion Policy (PDF)? Check it out on the Human Resources website. It was created by Allison Smith, Acadia’s Sexualized Violence Response and Education Coordinator, and supported by Kerry Deveau, the Director of Human Resources.

Today is about centering and celebrating our trans community members – it is important for cisgender community members to step up and celebrate our trans friends and to educate ourselves and those around us. Be gender affirming, celebrate transness, create a welcoming environment wherever you are.

On Campus at Acadia:

Join us on Thursday, March 28th on the main floor of the SUB from 11AM – 1PM to make pride buttons, learn about famous trans Canadians, and enter a giveaway for Elliot Page’s memoir Pageboy from the ASU’s Sexual Health Resource Centre! There will also be information on free gender-affirming gear and other supports for gender diverse students in Nova Scotia. Come pick up some stickers to adorn your offices, water bottles, notebooks! Share your visibility and your affirming allyship!

Happening in the Municipality of the County of Kings:

“International Transgender Day of Visibility is observed annually on March 31 to recognize and celebrate transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse, and two-spirit folks and their contributions. Mark your calendars and join us at the Municipality of the County of Kings (181 Coldbrook Village Park Drive) on March 28 from noon to 1 p.m. for a Flag Raising and Proclamation Event!”

Be sure to check out some beautiful art and artists below:

Syrus Marcus Ware
Syrus is a Vanier Scholar, visual artist, activist, curator and educator. Syrus uses painting, installation and performance to explore social justice frameworks and black activist culture.

He was also an editor for Until We Are Free, Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada.

Rae Senarighi, Transpainter
“Your average non-binary cancer survivor inspiring self-compassion, activism & gender resilience via unapologetic portraiture of vibrant transgender / non-binary power.”

https://transpainter.com @transpainter   

Ready to learn more? Check out books, videos, and podcasts like these:

From the Human Rights and Equity Office Book Club:

• Read This to Get Smarter About Race, Class, Gender, Disability, and More – Blair Imani
• Trans Like Me: A Journey For All Of Us – CN Lester
• I Hope We Choose Love – Kai Cheng Thom
• Bright Lines – Tanwi Nandini Islam
• TransLash with Imara Jones
• Angelica Ross Explains the History of the Word ‘Transgender’
• Sharing Space – The Trevor Project
• If I Was Your Girl – Meredith Russo
• Little Fish – Casey Plett
• The Devourers – Indra Das
• The Transgenda Podcast
• Trans Sounds: Transgender FTM/MTF/Nonbinary - Songs written and/or performed by Trans Artists (Spotify)
• Here ‘N Queer – Songs written and/or performed by trans artists (Apple Music)