Be Visible!
The Transgender Day of Visibility shouldn't be necessary
This day makes me sad. It should not be necessary. It should just be the last day of March and nothing more.
But the world we live in won’t allow us that. Our society still pushes us to the edges of acceptability. Governments have legislated and organizations have imposed, laws and rules intended to keep us under their collective thumbs, prisoner to their bigotry, a minority unworthy of the same rights as anybody else.
A large part of humanity wishes us to be invisible. Unseen, unheard, unconsidered.
Our plight is not unique in human history. Scapegoats and outcasts have existed since people first congregated together and formed societies. Christians in ancient Rome, witches in colonial America, Blacks in the Jim Crow south, and Jews all over the world. Chosen minorities blamed and punished for nothing more than being themselves. Just like transgender people are today.
I like to think that in some utopian vision of the future, prejudice and bigotry will be things of an uncivilized past. But realistically, that’s a vain wish. History has shown that no matter how far civilization evolves, there will always be a scapegoat for it to punish.
So, it hurts my heart to acknowledge the one day out of the year announcing our basic right to exist. But we at least have this day and we should use it to announce that not only do we exist, but we are proud of who we are. We owe no excuses to anyone. No apologies for having been born with dysphoria. And we won’t cower in the face of our enemies’ attacks.
If you can find an event celebrating the Transgender Day of Visibility, and you have the ability to attend, do so.
Or, you may choose to honor this day in your own way. Paint a painting, write a poem, get with a few trans friends and toast the euphoria of living your true life.
I love you all, my transgender sibs!
--- 𝓐𝓷𝓷𝓲 🏳️⚧️