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Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
In Washington, an afternoon of solidarity for trans rights
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hundreds of people gathered Monday at the National Mall to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility. College students stood alongside veterans, federal workers, retirees and concerned family members. They packed umbrellas for the spring rain and brought Pride flags, too. They held up handmade signs that read 'Trans by the grace of God' and 'Trump is stealing our future.' As members of Congress stood in front of the U.S. Capitol to list all the ways the Trump administration is harming their trans constituents, they listened. Both speakers and attendees said this fight belongs to them, regardless of their gender identity. One cisgender woman in the crowd, a 48-year-old federal employee, joined to support her family. Her daughter is trans and so are a few of her nieces and nephews, she said. On her lanyard at work, she wears a trans butterfly pin and another with a rainbow encircled by the words, 'you're safe to be you around me.' As a federal employee, the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the uncertain political environment for federal workers, said she has watched the Trump administration erase thousands of jobs and billionaire Elon Musk's task force take over federal agency buildings. The final line crossed, the moment that would push her over the edge, would be if she's asked to take off her pins. 'I would resist against that,' she said. 'And I hope that I wouldn't lose my job over it, but this is more important than my job, honestly, even though we're a single-income family. I've been working with the federal government for 20 years. But it's just that important.' Trans Day of Visibility, or TDOV for short, was created to give trans people a day of joy. It's a day to celebrate being out and unapologetically trans, nonbinary or gender non-conforming. But as the last five years have brought rising anti-trans political attacks, TDOV has also become something else: a day of loud resistance. As the Trump administration tries to make it harder for trans Americans to live openly without fear of harassment and discrimination, more trans people — and their allies — see this day as a form of protest. 'My call to action today is to get involved,' Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, executive director for Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), said on stage at the rally. 'Register to vote. Vote in all those local elections that everyone else ignores. Run for office yourself. If you want a different style of activism, volunteer at your local LGBTQ+ community center. Mentor a trans kid. Start a trans bookclub. Protest outside a courthouse. … Don't just watch things happen, make things happen. History is made by those of us who take the initiative to show up.' Other speakers, including Democratic members of Congress, made similar calls to action, urging trans people and their allies to resist the political attacks against them. Those lawmakers stressed that rolling back trans rights is just a stepping stone to attacking other marginalized groups — and that coming together is required to defend against those assaults. That's the message that New Hampshire state Rep. Alice Wade, a transgender woman, delivered from the stage on Monday. The stakes of these anti-trans attacks are deadly, she said, and they affect everyone, Republican or Democrat. On Election Day last year, outside her local polling place, Wade said she met a Republican volunteer who confided that his son's death the previous summer had kept him from engaging much in politics. It was hard for him to talk about it, the volunteer told Wade. But by the end of the night, he was ready to open up. 'Right about the time the polls had closed, I started to pack up my things, and he pulled me aside and he asked me a question, 'Are you transgender?' And I said, 'Yes.'' That was the invitation he was looking for. He shared with Wade that his son was a transgender man who had taken his own life. He then asked about her experiences as a trans woman and what could have contributed to his child's suicide. 'I shared how deeply painful it can be for trans people to go through life in a society hostile to our very existence and how transitioning saved my life six years ago,' she said on stage. 'Long after he left, I couldn't stop thinking about that conversation. About a father just trying to understand his child and cope, and how much pain could be avoided if we didn't treat trans people like political weapons.' From 2018 to 2022, the number of suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth in states that passed anti-trans laws increased by as much as 72 percent, according to a study published last fall. And when the presidential race was called for Donald Trump on November 5, calls and texts to a leading LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization exploded in a massive outpouring of anxiety over the election results. In the crowd on Monday, trans people who have been living in that heightened state of fear since Election Day felt a moment of reprieve and solidarity. Fenyx Mackenzie, a 22-year-old student at Howard University, stood with 21-year-old Miles Sanchez on the National Mall, wrapped in an embrace under a trans pride flag while listening to the speakers. Seeing a united crowd standing up for trans rights — including many cisgender people and people from older generations — made an impression on them. 'Everything has been very stressful recently, so having this sort of event is nice,' Mackenzie said. 'It makes it a little bit less scary and isolating.' For the past few months, it feels like every marginalized group is being targeted at once, Sanchez said — and it's all happening so quickly. They're not sure what to do, they said; just going through the motions of everyday life is a challenge. They've been looking for a sense of community. At this rally, they finally felt that. The Trans Day of Visibility rally was organized by the Christopher Street Project, a transgender advocacy group, and co-hosted by LGBTQ+ and civil rights groups including the National Organization for Women, the Human Rights Campaign and Advocates for Trans Equality. Speakers from Congress included House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York and Rep. Sara Jacobs, co-chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force. The post In Washington, an afternoon of solidarity for trans rights appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter.
Axios
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
On Trans Day of Visibility, Chicago leaders push back on Trump's attacks
A coalition of elected officials and human rights activists is warning that the Trump administration's attacks won't stop with the transgender community. Driving the news: On Monday, International Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV), state, county and city politicians joined LGBTQ+ rights organizations to push back on the narratives the administration has spun about transgender people and proclaim they won't be made invisible. More than 5,000 people marched through downtown Sunday as part of a TDOV event organized by Illinois-based advocacy group Trans Up Front. The big picture: Multiple executive orders by Trump have attempted to roll back protections and civil rights for transgender people. What they're saying:"Trans people are oftentimes labeled as an invisible population," Brave Space Alliance CEO Channyn Lynne Parker said. "There is nothing invisible about us." "We are not here to be cuddled or coddled." Zoom in: Several speakers warned that the administration would not stop with the transgender community, suggesting the president will attempt to strip other groups of rights and freedoms. "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu," Caprice Carthans from Life is Work said. "We are all on the menu." Zoom out: The frustrations extend beyond the executive branch. Several speakers Monday said they think some Democrats are either scapegoating the community or treating them as victims. "Folks are suggesting that we lost because of the trans community," state Rep. Kelly Cassidy told Axios. "We heard our former mayor make jokes about locker rooms and suggest this was the cause," Cassidy said, referring to Rahm Emanuel's recent comments to Bill Maher.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Transgender Day of Visibility highlights achievements, ongoing struggles facing community
March 31 marks Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the lives and contributions of transgender people worldwide. While the day highlights trans achievements, it also serves as a reminder of the disproportionate levels of poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces compared to cisgender individuals. International TDOV was founded in 2010 by Rachel Crandall as a response to media narratives that predominantly focused on violence against transgender individuals. The day aims to shift the conversation toward visibility and recognition while acknowledging that not all trans individuals can or want to be publicly out due to ongoing discrimination. The role of the media in shaping public perception remains a critical issue. A study by Media Matters found that The New York Times excluded transgender voices from 60% of its stories on anti-trans legislation following public criticism of its coverage. Given that many Americans do not personally know a transgender individual, the media's portrayal significantly influences public understanding. The Netflix documentary Disclosure explores how film and television have historically misrepresented and stereotyped transgender people, perpetuating harmful biases. Advocates argue that more accurate and inclusive representation is essential to fostering acceptance and policy change. Kristen Browde, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and a transgender woman, emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting trans individuals. 'All of us deserve to live under the trans agenda: healthcare, housing, education, a good job with fair wages, and the freedom to live authentically and without fear,' Browde said. 'We see you. We celebrate you. We fight with you. We go nowhere without you.' With more than 450 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures across the country, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, advocates stress that TDOV is not just about visibility but also about action, support, and the fight for equal rights. This year for TDOV, GLAAD has partnered with and is supporting several advocates and organizations on initiatives to counteract the disinformation campaign targeting the trans community. Talking about LGBTQ Issues: Research-based Resources to Help Shape Discussions Fact Sheet: Reporter Guide to Covering Transgender People, Topics, and Legislation ELLE's AFFIRMED series, helmed by guest editor Tommy Dorfman, explores gender-affirming care in many forms. All stories were done with support from GLAAD, and Anshika Khullar did all the illustrations. GILEAD x GLAAD shares Southern Storybank, a series of video portraits featuring transgender people, as well as people living with HIV, across the U.S. South, describing their daily lives and lifelong journeys in their own words. GLAAD and Getty Images continue to drive awareness for transgender people through visual representation, encouraging brands and marketers to help improve transgender imagery with resources to guide visual storytelling. Read more about the partnership here and ways to take action. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Axios
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Trans Day of Visibility celebrations persist despite Trump admin attacks
Monday marks International Transgender Day of Visibility: a day of celebration and recognition for trans and nonbinary people across the globe. The big picture: As the Trump administration rolls back protections and civil rights for transgender Americans and threatens access to gender-affirming care, military careers, federal recognition, sports and more, the holiday and its mission is "more important this year than ever," said Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the day's founder. "The president ... wants us to go and hide, and he'd be happy if we all disappeared," Crandall-Crocker told Axios. "However, that is not what we're going to do." Case in point: Trans Up Front, an Illinois-base advocacy organization whose mission is to amplify and center trans voices, honored TDOV on Sunday with 5,000-plus people marching through downtown Chicago, organizers estimated. "This is our first year in many, many years that we're looking at this not as just a celebration of each other, of our community, but as a gathering of support," Executive Director Asher McMaher said. McMaher added, "In 2025 ... we really do have to come together as one community and show that no matter what is written in an executive order, no matter what misinformation is out there, we're here." In Atlanta, Game Changing Men — a group that focuses on erasing stigmas and barriers for trans men, particularly Black trans men — capped off a week of TDOV programming with its annual cookout Saturday. This year, the group stepped up security. But visibility remains critical amid attempts to erase trans stories, Executive Director Quinton Reynolds told Axios. "We just want to be our authentic selves," he said. "We pay taxes, we are homeowners, we are husbands, we are wives, we are parents." Flashback: Crandall-Crocker, the executive director of Transgender Michigan and a licensed master social worker, started TDOV in 2009. She wanted to create a day that "celebrated the living" trans people, and within a couple of years, it became truly international and recognized by communities across the globe. President Biden in 2021 issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing TDOV, urging Americans to join "in uplifting the worth and dignity of every transgender person." Friction point: But visibility can be "a double-edged sword," said Shane Diamond, GLAAD's director of communications and advocacy. "As we are more visible, and out and open ... we tend to see increased backlash and anti-LGBTQ+ policies, anti-transgender policies being introduced," he said. Zoom out: A massive spike in legislation targeting the trans community has occurred in recent years at federal and state levels. The American Civil Liberties Union was tracking 527 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S. as of March 14, including legislation redefining sex, blocking trans youth from using facilities corresponding with their gender identity and rolling back DEI initiatives Trump's return to the White House has also emboldened GOP lawmakers to further restrict trans rights. But Diamond emphasizes that "there's not a lot of meat and potatoes" to Trump's executive orders targeting trans people — some of which have been blocked amid legal challenges — which he said are "intended to scare and confuse us." The bottom line: Amid the Trump administration's sweeping crackdown, Crandall-Crocker said trans people should unite and "be one community with one loud voice." On a day that seeks to celebrate trans and nonbinary accomplishments, joy and love, Crandall-Crocker said it's a "big victory just to live your honest life."
USA Today
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Trans Day of Visibility is Monday - a day to raise awareness of transgender people
Trans Day of Visibility is Monday - a day to raise awareness of transgender people Show Caption Hide Caption First transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride misgendered in hearing House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority Chairman Keith Self misgendered Sarah McBride and adjourned the hearing when he was called out. Monday marks the annual Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), which honors transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive people while drawing attention to the high levels of poverty, discrimination and violence the community faces globally. This year's TDOV follows President Donald Trump's recent executive orders that restrict the rights of transgender Americans – impacting their ability to serve in the military, participate in school sports and obtain government documentation, including passports that reflect their gender identity. Rachel Crandall Crocker, a psychologist and executive director of the nonprofit group Transgender Michigan, created this initiative in 2010. She expressed her amazement at the level of participation the day received in an interview with National Public Radio last year: 'I wasn't expecting to start an international movement.' Here's what to know about Trans Visibility Day and trans people who have made history. Actors, models and other trans people who continue to make history While transgender and nonbinary individuals have been the targets of political attacks, there have also been moments of celebration, particularly among celebrities, politicians and performers. A snapshot of trans people who recently made history include: Laverne Cox in 2014 became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in an acting category. She was nominated for her role as Sophia Burset in 'Orange Is the New Black.' in 2014 became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in an acting category. She was nominated for her role as Sophia Burset in 'Orange Is the New Black.' Elliot Page in 2021 became the first trans man to appear on the cover of Time magazine. in 2021 became the first trans man to appear on the cover of Time magazine. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, or MJ Rodriguez , has a series of firsts. In January 2022, she became the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe, for her role as Blanca Evangelista in FX's 'Pose.' She is also the first trans woman to earn an Emmy nomination in a lead or supporting acting category, and the first openly trans woman to win best actress in television at the NAACP Image Awards. , has a series of firsts. In January 2022, she became the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe, for her role as Blanca Evangelista in FX's 'Pose.' She is also the first trans woman to earn an Emmy nomination in a lead or supporting acting category, and the first openly trans woman to win best actress in television at the NAACP Image Awards. Lia Thomas in March 2022 was the first trans woman to win an NCAA swimming championship. in March 2022 was the first trans woman to win an NCAA swimming championship. Kim Petras won a Grammy Award in February 2023 for her performance in Sam Smith's 'Unholy' music video. Petras is the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy in the best pop duo/group performance category. won a Grammy Award in February 2023 for her performance in Sam Smith's 'Unholy' music video. Petras is the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy in the best pop duo/group performance category. Rep. Sarah McBride , D-Delaware, in November 2024 was the first transgender person elected to Congress. , D-Delaware, in November 2024 was the first transgender person elected to Congress. Alex Consani in 2024 was the first trans woman to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards. in 2024 was the first trans woman to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards. Gottmik in 2021 was the first trans man to compete on 'RuPaul's Drag Race.' What's the purpose of Trans Visibility Day? A representative from the national advocacy group The Trevor Project told USA TODAY that while the day aims to support the community, many transgender people have safety concerns, and visibility should not be forced upon anyone. 'This day should also remind people that 'visible' does not mean 'equal,'" explained Nova Bright, head of internal training, learning and development at The Trevor Project. 'We must continue working toward a country full of people that understands transgender people are our neighbors, our family members, and our friends; trans people want to simply be able to go about their daily lives, just like anyone else.' The national crisis lifeline for LGBTQ+ young people reminds trans individuals that it's OK to celebrate acts of visibility, whether they are large or small, including: The feeling that comes with taking your first hormone dose. Being called your chosen name by someone who loves you. Finding language to describe your identity. Feeling euphoric in a piece of gender-affirming clothing. Looking in the mirror and loving who you see looking back at you. 'As we honor Transgender Day of Visibility, one thing remains abundantly clear: Trans people are here, trans people have always been here, and they are not going anywhere,' Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said. 'To all trans young people, I want you to know: You are never alone.' Contributing: Kinsey Crowley, Asha C. Gilbert, Julia Gomez, Sara M. Moniuszko, David Oliver, Edward Segarra, and Xerxes Wilson Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
