Photo Credit: GLAAD

Today is the 6th Annual International Transgender Day of Visibility, created by transgender advocate Rachel Crandall. This day, which is obesrved every year on March 31, is intended to raise awareness about transgender people, bring attention to the discrimination and violence trans people face – but also to celebrate our successes.

Rachel Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, created this day after recognizing that many media outlets only report on stories of violence experienced by transgender and gender non-conforming people. She hoped to create a day where people could focus on celebrating success and helping transgender people feel empowered.

Visibility is especially important for the transgender community. Recent polls show that 90% of Americans say they personally know someone who is lesbian, gay, or bisexual. But only 16% of American think they personally know someone who is transgender. Therefore for the vast majority of people in the U.S., everything they know about transgender people – they learn from the media. It’s imperative that trans people, who are able to do so safely, tell their stories.

Outspoken advocates and celebrities like Laverne Cox, Janet Mock, Jazz Jennings, Tiq Milan, Caitlyn Jenner, and many more are bringing the stories and experiences of transgender people to audiences everywhere. However, visibility on its own is not enough, and the ongoing struggles and violence facing transgender people around the world demand continued advocacy and organizing from LGBT people and their allies. GLAAD is committed to leading and supporting advocacy for transgender people, and ensuring that the media treats transgender stories with dignity and respect.

Learn more about GLAAD’s Transgender Media Program at glaad.org/transgender.

Follow and participate in the International Transgender Day of Visibility on social media using the hashtag #TDOV.