Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on March 31 and shines a light on the achievements and resilience of transgender and nonbinary individuals. Kent State University students and faculty came together to honor the day of awareness, inclusion and support for the transgender community.
Grey Sherry, a freshman psychology major and advocate, emphasized the importance of the day.
“Transgender Day of Visibility means that I can express myself being under the transgender umbrella and shows that the community is extremely important to understand,” Sherry said. “This day can help others understand the hardships of being transgender and give recognition to what we face as a community.”
The day serves as a reminder that everyone is entitled to equality. Josh Wallace, a junior business major, shared his thoughts.
“This day is a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, respected and valued for who they truly are,” Wallace said.
Sherry said there are plenty of ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in educational settings, where acceptance remains a significant issue.
“In educational environments, transgender students have overall struggled with being called their preferred name and pronouns,” Sherry said. “They have also struggled with being able to use certain facilities, such as restrooms and other places.”
They emphasized the importance of allyship in advocating for transgender rights.
“Allies can better support transgender individuals by speaking out and supporting them through the difficult battles that they face,” they said. “This is more important now, considering that the community is under extremely difficult times.”
Wallace discussed the significance of the day of recognition.
“The celebration is about amplifying voices, recognizing their struggles and committing to being better allies every day,” he said.
There is a growing representation of transgender individuals in media and pop culture, acknowledging both progress and the ongoing need for advocacy.
“Over the years, I believe that transgender visibility has become more important throughout the media and in pop culture,” Sherry said. “Transgender people are more accepted as a whole. However, it is important to recognize and stand up for the transgender community in recent months due to the political aspects.”
Representation plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and activism. Wallace emphasized the power of visibility.
“Visibility matters because no one should feel alone in their identity,” he said. “Everyone deserves to feel safe and celebrated for who they are.”
The importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for transgender individuals is crucial, emphasizing the need for accessible resources and safe spaces.
“Our community can foster a more inclusive environment by allowing transgender individuals to have easily accessible resources and providing more gender neutral spaces, like restrooms,” Sherry said. “It should also be important to recognize transgender individuals and be able to offer support, no matter the circumstances.”
For students seeking resources or support, the LGBTQ+ Center offers ongoing programs and safe spaces. More information can be found on the center’s website or at its office on campus.
Savannah Carroll is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
