Every year, on March 31, we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility, a day 
where transgender people from all walks of life can proudly speak up and share their contributions to society, as well as raise awareness to the struggles we face. It is a day to be proud of who we are, and to celebrate our achievements, accomplishments and legislative gains.
This past year has been difficult for many in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as we have all seen the rise of anti-transgender legislation in Canada and abroad, as well as the rise in anti-transgender hate speech and political rhetoric. Last year’s demonstrations around so-called “parent’s rights” and counter-demonstrations by those who support transgender youth brought these issues to the forefront of the public eye. The very existence of transgender youth has become polarized for political gain, and it hits hard for many transgender adults because many of us knew who we were on the inside from a young age. Many of us grew up knowing that how we felt on the inside did not match who society expected us to be on the outside, at a time where the information was not widely available and supportive resources didn’t exist yet. The fact that there are now resources available and greater education around trans and non-binary identities is a massive leap in acceptance and understanding of transgender people, especially youth at a crossroads in their lives. To see it intentionally withheld in the name of “protecting children” is a step back that will have transgender youth that are afraid to come out to continue struggle in silence.
The driver for of all the positive changes around transgender acceptance is visibility. As time goes on and there is a wider understanding of the barriers that transgender and non-binary people face, there is more progress on removing those barriers. Workplaces now have protections for transgender workers enshrined in law and collective agreements. The courts now recognize the rights of transgender parents and the role they play in raising their children. Gone are the horrible stereotypes of transgender people in film and television, now replaced by openly transgender actors and actresses. The world is becoming a more welcoming place for everyone.
The year ahead will undoubtedly see more public discussion around transgender issues, as political ideologies clash ahead of elections in Canada and the United States. News outlets will always add their editorial slant and politicians will always add their spin, but no news article or political talking point will ever change the lived experience of transgender people. Positive change comes when more and more people can say “I know someone who is transgender”.
In Solidarity,
Jamie McCurrach, 1st Vice President, lb/CUPE 3338