From inception to impact: International Transgender Day of Visibility

WEB DESK: This Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV), an occasion dedicated to “celebrating the transgender community worldwide”.

The day was founded by Rachel Crandall-Crocker in 2009. Over the years, the TDoV evolved into a global movement advocating for the rights of transgenders across the globe.

Read more: Challenges facing the transgender community in Sindh ahead of general election

Beginnings

The founder Rachel Crandall-Crocker is a United States-based psychotherapist and transgender activist. Crandall-Crocker started TDoV in response to the absence of holidays recognising the experience and rights of transgender individuals.

While the “Transgender Day of Remembrance” honours those lost to anti-transgender violence, TDoV was intended to focus on the community’s visibility. Crandall-Crocker stated they intended the day to raise awareness of the challenges and hardships faced by transgender individuals in their everyday lives.

Impact

Over the years, TDoV has grown into a global event, with activists worldwide participating in the cause.
Activists in Ireland and Scotland began joining in 2014, and by 2015, social media became a powerful tool for spreading awareness.

Through online campaigns and personal stories, TDoV has gained widespread recognition.
Challenges faced by the transgender community

Challenges faced by transgender community

Despite increased awareness, the transgender community is stilled facing challenges and issues.

As per reports, discrimination, harassment, and violence by family and wider society remains prevalent. These issues are compounded by a lack of legal protection and persistent poverty.

Global advocacy efforts

In India, several transgender individuals have made significant contributions and overcome adversity to pursue their dreams.

Read more: Bangladesh transgenders get their own mosque  

Joyita Mondal became India’s first transgender judge, advocating for transgender rights from within the legal system.

Similarly, Shabnam Mausi contested elections as a transgender woman and won.

Meanwhile, Pakistani government enacted legislation in 2018 that allowed transgender people to self-identify their gender on official documents, obtain computerised national identity card (CNIC), passports, and driver’s licenses. The legislation also ensured the trans people their right to vote and protection from employment discrimination.

Several prominent transgender individuals have made significant contributions to Pakistani society. Sara Gill became the country’s first transgender doctor. Meanwhile, Nayyab Ali and Nadeem Kashish were among the first transgender people to contest the 2018 general election in Pakistan.