Stones. Gender Outlaw, 2022. Digital Illustration.
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March 31st, A.K.A Trans Day of Visibility, exists so that people have no choice but to acknowledge the existence of Trans and Gender Diverse people. Despite the bare minimum of representation, role models, and community, we exist. Despite the scaremongering, media spin, politicising and simultaneous dismissing of our identities, we exist. We take up space. Powerfully. Truthfully. My existence as a gender diverse individual is but a drop of visibility attempting to fill the void of representation I saw (or rather, didn't) as a child. Not in ancient history, Not even a century ago, but in the 90's. Visibility creates representation, that creates connections with others; others that might not fit the arbitrary social gender constructs we are in the process of breaking down. Knowing that gender diversity is even an option, and that you are not alone, and that you are perfectly imperfect just the way you are, is HUGE for positive mental health outcomes and keeping trans and gender diverse people alive.
The image I'm posting with this is one of my own; my own portrait torn apart and overlaid with sentences pulled from the online media used to describe trans and gender diverse people. This isn't all of them, just some of my personal favourites. These came from everywhere. Politicians. Celebrities. Academics. I did not have to dig very deep. This ongoing, multi-faceted attack on trans and gender diverse people doesn't stop with Big Media but within our own personal social circles. Misgendering, micro-aggressions, outright dismissal of our identities; every single moment, no matter how small, tears pieces off trans and gender diverse people and it Wears. Us. Down.
I'm not going to tell you how to be a better ally this year. The internet exists. You should already know, AND be actively participating in the protection and support of your trans and gender diverse friends. If you aren't, well, don't be surprised if you can hear the wind whistling through the gaps in your social circle.
Performatory actions you can take right now
to feel like you are making a difference, without having to get off your phone:
đ¸Â Unfollow and stop supporting transphobic personalities
(like the creator of Harry Potter and it's franchise)
đ¸Â Donate to a Queer Charity:
đ¸Â Buy from Queer Businesses & Creators