The vital recognition and celebration of transgender life is brought to the forefront of our awareness during International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31. The day was first recognized in 2010 to dispel harmful myths about transgender people and encourage them to live full lives as their true selves.
Gender-diverse people have always existed and have been documented in writings as early as 3000 BCE, yet a lack of knowledge about this has resulted in bias against transgender people. Currently, there are 430 bills throughout the country threatening the basic human rights and safety of transgender (and other LGBTQ+) people — even here in Washington. Gender-affirming care for youth and adults is also being threatened despite the research that shows this care is essential for preventing suicide — especially among young people — and promoting well-being among transgender and non-binary people.
While we hold space for these challenges, it is also important to celebrate trans joy and the resilience of trans people and for allies to show support. Here are just a few ways to do that.
Get involved
- Learn about UW Medicine’s Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Health Program and our Office of Healthcare Equity
- Attend the March for Trans Lives at Volunteer Park on March 31 at 4 p.m.
- Support or volunteer with local organizations that serve trans people, such as Gender Justice League, Trans Pride Seattle and Lavender Rights Project
Show pride and/or allyship
- Learn how to set your pronouns on Identity.UW and add your pronouns to your email signature
- Use our pride-themed email signature and Zoom background
Learn more
- For LGBTQ+ people: How to build resilience
- Learn more about UW Medicine’s work to increase health equity for trans and gender-diverse patients
- See these tips for trans allies from Seattle Pride and for LGBTQ+ allies from Right as Rain
- Learn how to use pronouns correctly and how to support transgender and non-binary youth
