Starting in 2009, Trans Day of Visibility is celebrated across the globe on 31 March every year. It celebrates the trans community that often finds itself underrepresented. It’s a day of pride and celebration for gender diverse identity, achievements, and community.
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Visibility around trans issues helps people understand what they might be going through and fosters community. We talked to members of Sydney's gender diverse community in the lead up to Trans Day of Visibility to see what makes the day special.
“Visibility allows people to find community and also find options to affirm their gender.” – Kerry Chin (he/him)
The term ‘trans’ is used to describe people whose gender is different to what was presumed for them at birth. This includes non-binary, genderqueer, agender or gender fluid people.
Pronouns are how we refer to a person other than by their name. Some common examples are ‘she’, ‘he’ and ‘they’. When a trans person comes out they may have new pronouns they want to use.
“Pronouns are really important. It’s such a simple way to say who you are, beyond who you may present as,” says Lucian Hicks (they/she).
“Trans people are part of our wonderfully diverse community. So today is a day for us to come together as a Sydney family, to embrace all Sydneysiders, especially those who are marginalised or discriminated against,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
Riley Ellis (she/her) recognises the difficulties of being trans but said “they’re outweighed by the benefits of living authentically, which is a more fulfilling life.”
“It’s important that trans youth know there is a world for them.” - Quade Quade (she/her).
There is no one way of being trans. Some may choose to have hormone therapy or gender affirmation surgery. ACON’s online platform TransHub gives clear and easy information about gender affirmation and health for trans and gender diverse people in NSW.
TransHub’s 101 section is a good place to start to learn the basics. It might answer some of the first questions you have about trans people and their allies. It also has helpful tips for cisgender people about affirming, supporting, and standing up for trans people.
Published 31 March 2022, updated 12 October 2023
