March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility—here’s what you can do to celebrate and uplift the contributions of trans community members
March 31 marks International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), an annual observation dedicated to honouring and celebrating successes in trans communities.
TDOV was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, a transgender activist, as a way for trans, gender non-conforming, and Two Spirited people to celebrate each other’s contributions to the community.
Contrary to Trans Day of Remembrance, which draws attention to trans marginalisation and violence against trans individuals, TDOV empowers trans lives and their contributions to society.
According to a recent Pew Research Center poll, approximately four in 10 Americans know someone who is transgender, and two in 10 Americans know somebody who uses gender-neutral pronouns.
In light of celebrating trans, non-binary, and Two Spirit contributions, The Ontarion had the opportunity to speak with the owner of Guelph Market, Brian, a non-binary, gender queer individual.
Guelph Market is an online platform for small local businesses and independent makers to sell their goods to the greater Guelph community.
The website offers a useful directory for local businesses, including BIPOC-owned businesses, as well as community organisation partners.
“Guelph Market is a community-focused business with the goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive community,” Brian said. “[Since] 2020, I have organized over 20 craft markets and worked with over 120 businesses in the local community. I also offer business consultation, with a focus on diversity and anti-oppression issues.”
Guelph Market prioritises business owners and individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, a person of colour, or are a part of other marginalised groups.
Brian noted that trans visibility is one of their top priorities as a business owner.
“For me, trans visibility means boosting and elevating trans voices whenever possible—providing opportunities to transgender community members who may not have the same amount of opportunities that cisgender individuals have,” they said.
So, what can individuals do to celebrate trans visibility? The first step is educating yourself about trans issues and listening to the lived experiences of trans and gender diverse people.
Brian provided the example of educating communities about the histories of trans and gender diverse people. This includes Two Spirit people in Indigenous populations, who have existed since long before the brutal conquest of colonization.
“Gender diverse communities have existed all throughout history, and across all cultures. We need to focus on educating about those communities [and] educating others that trans and gender diverse folks have existed for as long as humans have existed.”
Additionally, Brian noted the importance of situating and questioning the limitations of the gender binary system and its relation to white supremacy.
“Instead of constantly focusing on cisgender individuals and trying to fit gender into a binary system, start working on deconstructing white supremacy and white understanding of binary gender. Binary gender and how we understand gender in current society, is very much a white understanding of gender identity,” they said.
You can do this by questioning and rethinking your approach to the gender binary. Ask questions like, “how are colonial assumptions of the gender binary influencing my perspective on gender?” Or, “how are gender stereotypes influencing my perspective on the gender binary?”
Breaking down stereotypes about gender binaries and what is considered masculine versus what is considered feminine are some of the biggest barriers to achieving trans visibility, said Brian.
“[It] makes it hard for people like me, who are non-binary, to navigate society because there is no way to present ‘non-binary.’”
Lastly, another way to celebrate trans visibility is to do exactly what Brian is doing: uplifting and supporting trans creativity and success.
For specialty coffees, head to the Guildsmen Cafe, a trans-owned and operated local coffee shop. You can find them at the Guelph Farmers’ Market every Saturday, or on their website at guildsmencafe.ca. Moreover, you can visit Guelph Market to support Brian and other local artisans in the Guelph community. Please visit www.theontarion.com/submit to find out how you can share your work with The Ontarion.A version of this article appeared in print in The Ontarion issue 192.3 on Feb. 24, 2022.
Wonderful article. Wise and simple things Brian shares to support transgender visibility and acceptance. Will check out Guelph Market.