Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to celebrate the lives of transgender and nonbinary people everywhere. Transgender people have always been with us, and though the federal government is trying to simultaneously erase transgender folks and vilify them, they will always be here. The latest moves by the administration are meant to strip transgender and nonbinary people not only of their autonomy and dignity, but also their ability to live their lives in peace. Even in progressive California, I worry about the safety and rights of my transgender and nonbinary loved ones.
If you don’t know any transgender or nonbinary people, that is likely because it is not safe to be outside societal norms in this country. It takes a great deal of resilience for trans people to live in the open. I was reminded of that fact last night at a grocery store when I noticed a group of teenagers snickering at a nonbinary employee in the store. No amount of my friendly banter with the staff person could erase the impact of being “othered” in that way.
I am grateful to be part of a faith tradition where we recognize the inherent dignity and worthiness of all people, that we value equity, pluralism, and transformation among our values, and where we strive to center love in all things. Today and every day, let us celebrate the magnificent variety of human beings – of gender identities and self-expression. And let us continue to make NVUU a welcoming and safe place for people of all genders. As Rev. Mr. Barb Greve writes in his “Blessing for Transgender Day of Visibility, “May we all commit to continue showing up, fighting for justice, celebrating all the genders in life.”
In honor of TDOV, I hope you will join me in pledging to be better allies and supporters of trans people. Here are some things you can do:
Watch this beautiful Unitarian Universalist TDOV worship service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2sVrqYN1XQ
Educate yourself and others: Learn about trans history and issues. Speak up when you hear misinformation. Make it a habit to share your pronouns and using the pronouns that people request. (why share your pronouns?)
Amplify trans voices, by reading books, watching films, and following social media created by trans people. Here are some other suggestions from the Transvitae website.
Support trans organizations and businesses, like LGBTQ Connection in Napa, The Trevor Project (supporting trans youth), and Black Trans Advocacy Coalition (empowering Black trans communities)
More resources are available from the UUA: Newsletter from UUA UPLIFT
Yours in faith,
Rev. Susan
