Today, 31 March is Trans Day of Visibility, an annual international celebration of trans pride and awareness, recognising transgender, gender diverse and non-binary experiences and achievements.
Transgender people face a significantly higher risk of mental health challenges, with studies showing they are up to 10-13 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidality compared to the general population.
We asked BEING’s Operations Director, Shannon who volunteers with the Trans Justice Project, and BEING member and creative writer Ezra, a member of the Trans community, for their contributions marking the day.
Ezra
“You’re so brave”
What does that even mean? Ever since I came out ten years ago it’s a phrase that seems to follow me.
Each time it is stated in relation to my queerness, I become slightly less confused, but also slightly more frustrated at society and the boxes we get assigned as humans.
I am brave because of the way the trans community is treated as a whole in a predominantly cis society.
I am brave because of the countless trans children, teenagers, and adults who are pushed to the point of suicide because they are bullied for being “abnormal”, “disgusting”, “wrong”.
I am brave because of the trans people sent to mental health facilities for conversion therapy.
I am brave because of the trans women, especially trans women of colour, who are murdered– predominantly the USA, but also worldwide.
I am brave because of the way the LGB community attempts to erase members of the trans community from social events, as though it wasn’t a trans woman that threw the first brick.
I am brave because of the way the transgender community attempts to erase those whose identities fall under the nonbinary umbrella like myself, claiming that we are not “trans enough” and that our identities are invalid.
Truthfully, I am exhausted from being ‘brave’. I don’t want to worry about what I wear each time I leave the house and whether it would result in negative or violent interactions from strangers.
It’s Transgender Day of Visibility and I desperately wish to be joyous, but it honestly is hard to do when the world is the way it is right now. I want to celebrate my queerness, be upbeat, do cute makeup, give some positive words of wisdom, but at this moment I cannot. Being trans takes a toll on my mental health, not because I’m trans, but because of the way society treats us.
It shouldn’t be this hard to exist.”
Shannon
“Trans people have always existed and always will, across all cultures and communities. They are our colleagues, neighbours, friends and loved ones. In living as themselves, trans people show us what it means to live authentically and to embody one’s true self.
In my own life, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the strength, generosity, care, and joy that exists within trans communities. One of the things I admire most is the way so many trans people show up for others, often while navigating systems and experiences that marginalise them, and while carrying significant grief. There is such a deep commitment to community, even in the face of so many challenges.
So, this TDOV, let’s carry forward the care, strength, and community that trans people embody – by showing up, speaking out, and helping build a world where trans people can truly thrive. A great place to start is learning more about the Trans Justice Project and supporting the work they do to fight for freedom, justice, and equality for all trans and gender diverse people. I encourage you to get involved, whether that’s signing up to their mailing list, taking a direct action, or reading (and sharing!) their excellent resource on anti-trans disinformation. There’s so much we can do together.”
Visit the TDOV website today and make your pledge as a Trans ally. www.tdov.org.au
Thanks to Shannon and Ezra for sharing their experience and for their honesty and authenticity. The more we try to understand others and the diversity of life, the further we will go towards defusing so many of the contributors to mental health challenges.