Three Things Cis-Allies Can Do for International Transgender Day of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrate on March 31, is a chance for our cisgender allies to gain insight into the lives and contributions of trans people, as well as shine light on the discrimination, violence and hardships the trans community faces. Trans and nonbinary people are our friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. It is important for the trans community to be seen through representative, diverse and authentic stories that reflect their experiences.

1. Educate yourself on trans experiences, terminology and history

One of the most powerful ways to be an ally is to seek out information and gain knowledge on the trans community around you. Having conversations with your trans friends or family are that much richer when you are an informed ally.

Terminology in the LGBTQIA+ community is an everchanging, living vocabulary that adapts to the experiences of its members. Staying up-to-date on terms and concepts is identity-affirming. Check out GLAAD’s Glossary of Transgender Terms.

Trans people have been at the forefront of queer history; trans women of color were leaders in the Stonewall riots. Many members of the trans community have been revolutionaries and you can read more about their contributions here.

2. Support trans-led or trans-supportive organizations

Many organizations, led by trans folks or in support of the trans community, run on donations from supporters.

Lavender Rights Project: LRP elevates the power, autonomy, and leadership of the Black intersex and gender-diverse community through intersectional legal and social services. Its approach focuses on three main areas of impact: gender-based violence prevention, housing justice, and economic justice. Lavender Rights Project provides stability, joy, and safety to Black gender-diverse people across the state of Washington.
→ Donate to Lavender Rights Project here (Seattle-based)

Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network (TWOCSN): This network is led by Trans people of color and advances the lives of trans women, femmes, two-spirit, and people of color living in Washington State.
→ Donate to TWOCSN here (Seattle-based)

Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble (STANCE): The Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble builds a community of trans and nonbinary singers to foster an environment where changing voices are authentically embraced.
→ Donate to STANCE here (Seattle-based)

ACLU: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) works in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the US Constitution and laws guarantee everyone.
→ Donate to the ACLU here (Nation-wide)

3. Attend an International Transgender Day of Visibility event

Attending in an International Transgender Day of Visibility event is a great place to start or continue supporting the trans community. Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound (DAPS) hosts their DAPS discussions on Thursdays. March’s theme is “visibility,” and the Thursday, March 30, session’s topic is “Connection in Community.”
→ For more info email info@DiversityAllianceOfThePugetSound.org

The ACLU is tracking nearly 450 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills that have been filed in the first three months of 2023, trailing 2021 as the most anti-LGBTQIA+ legislative session in history according to GLAAD. Trans people are a cornerstone of the queer community. Do your part to commit to fighting for the rights and protection of the trans community this International Transgender Day of Visibility and the year ahead.