International Transgender Day of Visibility, observed on the 31st of March, celebrates the transgender community and raising awareness of the discrimination they face worldwide.
This day also aims to recognise the positive impact and contributions of transgender individuals to society.
Why It Is Important
The importance of International Transgender Day of Visibility cannot be overstated. It provides an opportunity to:
- Raise awareness: By highlighting the experiences and challenges of transgender individuals, this day fosters understanding and empathy.
- Combat discrimination: It serves as a reminder of the need to combat discrimination and prejudice against transgender people.
- Celebrate diversity: It celebrates the diversity of gender identities and promotes a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.
This day is especially vital in a cultural landscape that has, in recent years, allowed transphobia to flourish – particularly in the media and online. This has real-life ramifications, including the murder of teenager Brianna Ghey in Warrington in 2023, and the recent case of Nex Benedict who died following a physical altercation at their high school in Oklahoma, US.
The 2021 Trans Lives Survey Report by transgender advocacy organisation TransActual, revealed the following key findings about the daily lives of the transgender community in the UK:
- “40% of respondents reported having experienced transphobia when seeking housing.
- 63% of respondents reported experiencing transphobia while seeking employment, rising to 73% of Black people and people of colour (BPOC) respondents.
- 85% of trans women reported being subjected to transphobic street harassment from strangers, with 71% of trans men and 73% of non-binary people saying the same.
- 69% of Black people and people of colour (BPOC) respondents reported experiencing transphobia from their line manager at work, and reported consistently higher rates of experiencing transphobia from colleagues (88% compared to 73% of non-BPOC)
- 80% of non-binary people reported having experienced transphobia from colleagues compared to 73% of trans men and 73% of trans women saying the same.
- 99% of trans people surveyed have experienced transphobia on social media.
- 93% of participants reported that media transphobia had impacted their experiences of transphobia from strangers on the street.”
Plus, at work, a 2021 study found that those who are transgender are more likely to hide their trans identity in the workplace than 5 years previously.
Demonstrating Inclusion and Allyship to Trans Colleagues in the Workplace
Here are some practical ways to show inclusion and allyship to trans colleagues:
- Take the initiative to educate yourself about transgender issues, terminology, and best practices for creating an inclusive workplace.
- Encourage open, respectful discussions about transgender visibility and acceptance within the organisation to promote understanding and awareness.
- Respect the chosen pronouns and gender identities of your trans colleagues.
- Normalise sharing your own pronouns, e.g. including them in your email signature, or when you are introducing yourself to others.
- Advocate for inclusive workplace policies that support transgender employees, such as gender-neutral bathrooms, or dress codes that accommodate diverse gender expressions.
- Ensure that the organisation’s anti-discrimination policies explicitly include protections for gender identity and expression.
- Encourage a culture of respect and understanding by calling out instances of discrimination or microaggressions against transgender individuals in the workplace.
- Participate in events and initiatives that promote transgender visibility and equality, both within the workplace and in the broader community.
- Actively support transgender colleagues by being an ally, offering assistance when needed, and standing up against discrimination and prejudice.
By observing and participating in International Transgender Day of Visibility and implementing inclusive practices in the workplace, organisations and individuals can contribute to a more equitable and supportive environment for all employees, including those who are transgender.
Further reading and resources
- Stonewall’s Trans Hub
- NPR article: “A Guide To Gender Identity Terms”
- PinkNews article: “‘Essential’ new guidelines for trans and non-binary inclusion at work issued by HR association”
- TUC Guidance: “How to be a good trans ally at work”
- Stonewall article: “Trans Day of Visibility: A Global Perspective”
- GLAAD Resources offer a perspective from the US
- The Cut article: “Black Trans Lives Matter and the Cry to Be Included”
- Stonewall Scotland article: “Getting started with trans inclusion in your workplace”
- Nuclear Rainbow Forum’s LinkedIn Page
- IDN article: “Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces for LGBTQ+ Colleagues – Key Takeaways from our Webinar”
- IDN Webinar recording: “Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces for LGBTQ+ Colleagues
