There are two major dates on the international transgender calendar: Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) on November 20th and Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) on March 31st.
TDoR was established in 1999 as a candlelight vigil to honour the life of Rita Hester, a Black trans woman brutally murdered in the U.S. Her tragic death sparked a movement to track the global deaths of trans individuals due to violence or suicide. Last year alone, over 400 trans people were reported murdered - a heartbreaking reality we can’t ignore.
But TDoV, founded in 2009, is different. It’s not about mourning; it’s about celebrating. It’s a day to recognise and uplift trans people who are here, living their lives, achieving incredible things, and pushing for greater acceptance in society.
But do trans people actually want to be visible?
Honestly? For many, the answer is no.
Most trans people don’t want to be "visible" as trans - they just want to live their lives without being reduced to their gender identity. It’s the same way a disabled person doesn’t want to be seen only as “the disabled person” or a gay person doesn’t want their sexuality to define them entirely.
I’m an exception. I’m very visible as a trans person because raising awareness is a huge part of my work. But the trade-off? My past as a well-known sales and technology speaker in the financial services industry was practically erased the moment I transitioned. I stopped being seen as an expert in my field and became “just” a trans speaker. That’s the challenge many of us face—our identities can overshadow our expertise and accomplishments.
And yet, visibility is crucial. It’s how we break down misconceptions, challenge stereotypes, and change the narrative. That’s why I embrace it.
Why does this matter for your organisation?
TDoV is the perfect opportunity for businesses, schools, and community groups to show genuine support for their trans colleagues, clients, and students. But support isn’t just about posting a rainbow flag on social media - it’s about real action.
This is where I can help.
As an award-winning speaker and LGBTQ+ advocate, I specialise in delivering engaging, thought-provoking, and inspiring talks that help organisations create truly inclusive environments. Whether it’s a keynote, a workshop, or a panel discussion, I make sure every session leaves people with a deeper understanding of trans issues - and practical steps to foster allyship.
So, if your company or organisation is looking for an impactful way to mark Transgender Day of Visibility, let’s talk. Let’s go beyond just being visible - let’s make a real difference.
Get in touch today to book a talk for your team, and let’s start the conversation.
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