Trans Day of Visibility celebrated in Windsor

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It was a day to be heard, be seen and be proud.

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Windsor’s trans community and its allies on Thursday celebrated Trans Day of Visibility, meant to highlight each individual’s contributions, diversity and struggles.

“The Trans Day of Visibility is really an opportunity to uplift trans stories, trans experiences,” said Sydney Brouillard-Coyle, education co-ordinator and non-binary transition guide at Trans Wellness Ontario. “And just highlight the diversity of our community as well as to encourage people to become more aware of trans lives and issues, and the challenges we experience so we can encourage people to be better allies to our community.”

Trans Day of Visibility, which began in Michigan in 2009, is now observed around the world annually on March 31.

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In Windsor, Trans Wellness Ontario marked the occasion with a virtual event that included guest speakers discussing the necessity of the day, the importance of art in creating visibility and the need for community.

“A lot of our community has been isolated as a result of the pandemic,” said Brouillard-Coyle.

Participants also watched the movie Beauty: Beyond Binary, by Christina Willings, followed by a discussion about its themes.

“It focuses on the story of five gender-creative kids and what that was like for them to understand who they are,” said Brouillard-Coyle.

Along with celebrating transgender people and their contributions, Brouillard-Coyle said the day is also meant to raise awareness about discrimination people still face regularly.

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“There is still obviously discrimination, particularly within institutional settings like education, employment, health care,” said Brouillard-Coyle, whose pronouns are they/them. “Discrimination, micro-aggression, harassment and just generally a lack of representation, constant erasure of our community. Which is why days like the Trans Day of Visibility matter, so we can combat those erasures and really highlight our community and give people the space to share their stories and share why standing up for trans people matters.”

They encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.

“For all of the trans people out there, regardless of whether or not you’re able to be visible today, just know that you are valid, you are part of his community and we encourage you to honor the Trans Day of Visibility in whatever way makes sense for you. And always feel free to reach out to us for support.”

If you need help:

LGBT Youth Line (Sunday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.): 1-800-268-9688

Trans Lifeline (24/7): 1-877-330-6366

Hotel-Die Grace Healthcare Community Crisis Center (24/7): 519-973-4435

Canada Suicide Prevention Service (24/7): 1-833-456-4566