SWU Blog: International Transgender Day of Visibility 2021

The Social Workers Union stands in solidarity with trans and non-binary people.

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) is an annual event observed around the world on March 31. This day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of trans and non-binary people while raising awareness of the discrimination they still face worldwide and of the work that is still needed to save trans lives.

TDoV recognises the diverse group of trans people of all genders, sexualities, ages, disabilities, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and trans people at all stages of their transition.

The Social Workers Union (SWU) is committed to the Global Agenda for Social Work & Social Development Framework 2020-2030: ´Co-building Inclusive Social Transformation´ that champions equality and solidarity at all levels. We stand in solidarity with SWU and BASW trans and non-binary members and their right to live and work free from discrimination.

Trans people in the UK continue to face profound levels of discrimination and hate crime. Key findings from Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain – Trans Report (2018) include:

  • 41% of trans people and 31% of non-binary people have experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity in the last 12 months.
  • 44% of trans people avoid certain streets because they don’t feel safe there as an LGBT person.
  • 12% of trans employees have been physically attacked by colleagues or customers in the last year.
  • 29% of trans people who accessed social services in the last year experienced discrimination.
  • 25% of trans people have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.

However, visibility alone does not translate into more protection. It can be unsafe for trans people to be visible – for example, many receive a large amount of digital harassment for simply existing. That is why it is important for trans allies to support and celebrate trans people in the hope that it will become safer for them to be visible and represented.

If you are interested in learning more about how to support trans people but aren’t sure where to begin, Stonewall have developed a Q&A to answer some of the common questions about trans people and to tackle some of those myths and misconceptions you might have seen in the media. You may wish to share this with colleagues and networks.

Gendered Intelligence is a trans-led and trans-involving grass roots organisation that works to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people. Social workers may find some of their resources for professionals useful, including a compiled list of UK and international resources on a wide range of subjects relating to trans inclusion.

TDoV continues to contribute to the ongoing fight against transphobia by spreading knowledge and understanding of the trans community.