International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is a day to celebrate transgender individuals – our friends, family, colleagues and neighbours – who contribute to the diversity in Canada. It’s a time to acknowledge the progress that has been made towards equity for the trans community, and to recognize the struggles, sacrifices and achievements of those who have fought, and continue to fight, for gender equity.

It’s an opportunity to educate ourselves on trans issues and to raise our voices against transphobia and discrimination in all its forms.

Why Transgender Day of Visibility matters

The International Transgender Day of Visibility reminds us that we can all be allies and work together to stand up for the protection and promotion of human rights for people in Canada who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit, or who use another term to describe their gender or sexual diversity. Human rights are universal, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

While significant progress has been made in recent years, trans folks and allies are still fighting for basic human rights. Transgender people in Canada are more likely to report their mental health as poor or fair than their cisgender counterparts, more likely to have seriously contemplated suicide in their lifetimes and more likely to have been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder.

This day is an opportunity to celebrate trans and non-binary people everywhere, and a call to action for allies to combat disinformation, discrimination and hate that impacts our community.

Colours of the Transgender Flag

Blue stripes are a traditional masculine color and pink stripes area traditional feminine color while the white stripe represents those who are transitioning or who have a neutral or undefined gender.

Whether you’re a trans person looking for support or an ally seeking to support the trans people in your life, here are some resources to help.

• Canada.ca
• Egale Canada: Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. They improve and save lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world.
• Human Rights Campaign works to educate the public about the transgender community and provides resources for transgender and non-binary people to live their fullest lives.

Support for transgender individuals

• LGBT Youthline: Confidential and non-judgmental peer support through text and chat. 1-888-687-9688
• Trans Lifeline: A grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. 1-877-330-6366