Blog by Kate Alessandri
March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility. International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) was started by transgender advocate Rachel Crandall in 2010 as a response to trans visibility (through media, news, etc.) as either heavily focused on violence, or it dismisses trans identity as part of “culture wars.” TDOV is a day to celebrate the lives, the contributions (and the joy!) of trans people, while also bringing awareness that this remains a very marginalized community that needs our support.
Last year alone, over 400 anti-trans laws were filed—many impacting trans youth. The American Library Association reported that “titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts.”
According to Gallup (via GLAAD), only 30% of Americans personally know a trans person. This is in addition to recognizing that due to discrimination, many trans people cannot safely be visible. TDOV is more important than ever—not just for the trans community. If we read, watch, or listen to stories that leave out trans voices, we are all missing out. Why? Because, authenticity matters. The more authentic stories we have from people with lived experience, the more stories we have overall! As Kind, Connected Humans, we want to hear everyone’s voices—because we can only connect when we truly see someone for who they are.
Check out these titles that feature authentic trans stories…
These authentic stories range from non-fiction memoir and experience to fun fiction and make-believe tales. *Something for all ages!
This collection is made up of nonfiction books about the history and experiences of transgender people, memoirs by transgender authors or cisgender parents of transgender children, and articles about Transgender Day of Remembrance.
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