On Transgender Day of Visibility, Mobilize Against Oppression

And in Fresno, there will be several Transgender Day of Visibility events, including a rally and march on Friday. Trans-E-Motion sponsored the first visibility events in Fresno last year. A study last year estimated there could be around 1.4 million transgender people in the U.S.

"Instead of always viewing transgender people as the victims of violence -- what trans day of remembrance is about -- it's about showcasing them as people with real talents and expertise and gifts," said Jess Fitzpatrick, co-chair of Trans-E-Motion in Fresno.

Fitzpatrick says Trans-E-Motion regularly sees around 30 to 40 transgender people from throughout the central San Joaquin Valley at the group's events and support groups every month. He said it's a small but diverse group, with people from a wide range of socioeconomic groups and cultures.

The march and rally will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 31, starting at Fresno's "peace corner" at Shaw and Blackstone Avenues. On April 8, they will hold a fundraiser from 3-10 p.m. at Cindy's Frozen Yogurt, 802 E. Olive Ave., Fresno. And on April 15 from noon to 4 p.m. at Alliant International University, 5130 E. Clinton Way, Fresno, enjoy a resource fair with transgender-friendly organizations, food vendors and businesses. There will be a know-your-rights workshop, raffle and entertainment including music, art, poetry and spoken word, plus guest speakers, including a transgender pastor.

In Las Vegas, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada will explore transgender history on Friday, March 31 when the Center celebrates TDOV, beginning with a clinic on name and gender-marker changes, followed by a trans and gender-nonconforming history workshop, empowerment awards and an open-mic segment called Trans Monologues.

"We do remarkable things," said Blue Montana, transgender program manager at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada. "We're politicians, we're teachers. Trans people [were in] the Civil War. Joan of Arc was gender variant. We've been visible for hundreds of years."

"We are making progress in uniting the world's transgender community. It is so exciting to see it happen," said founder Crandall via Facebook. "I am currently helping people to plan their events and actions all over the world. I would like to commend our sisters and brothers in countries where being transgender is illegal. There is organizing for the International Transgender Day of Visibility going on in countries where this is the case such as Russia and many countries in Africa."

The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund joins millions throughout the world in celebrating the Transgender Day of Visibility, with TLDEF Executive Director Jillian Weiss saying, "Today, we recognize how far we have traveled from the days when we were told by medical professionals to cloak ourselves in invisibility and live in fear of discovery. Today, many parents proudly support trans youth, love them unconditionally and encourage them to be their authentic selves. As someone raised in the 1960s, who thought that no one could ever understand, witnessing this positive evolution brings a swell of pride and a renewed belief that love will prevail. Today, we proudly reflect on the work we have done as a movement and the strides we have made as a community. That is the foundation of our continued quest for justice and equality."

GLAAD has also welcomed people to learn more about their Transgender Media Program glaad.org/transgender, and participate in the TDoV on social media with the hashtag #TDOV.