By Malaysia Walker, TEAP-MS Advocacy Coordinator

Transgender and gender non-conforming people face discrimination in housing, education, employment, and public accommodations far more frequently than anyone else in the LGBTQ community. Through our Transgender Education and Advocacy Program of Mississippi (TEAP-MS), we educate communities and people in positional power on the importance of non-discrimination protections, and why the trans and gender non-conforming (GNC) community deserves to have an affirming environment.

Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), an international holiday celebrated annually on March 31, provides another opportunity to continue this education and advocacy. Started in 2009, TDOV celebrates the accomplishments of trans and GNC people and empowers others to live comfortably in their truths, but also tells the story of the harm transgender and GNC people face from transphobia, discrimination, and harassment. Transgender Day of Visibility acknowledges that transgender and GNC people are an equitable part of society. Our visibility is important and can be used as a tool for transgender justice.

TDOV 2018 is especially noteworthy. Over the past year, trans and GNC people have fought through heinous attacks from President Trump, made history on international platforms like the Oscars, and elected eight transgender people in various offices across the country.

Transgender people are your neighbors, classmates, clergy members, and relatives, and deserve to be treated as equal members of society. So this March 31, take the opportunity to show your support. Join a Transgender Day of Visibility celebration in your community or on social media. Show that transgender and GNC people belong here.