Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an annual observance on March 31 to celebrate transgender people and raise awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
The day was created in 2009 by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, a transgender woman and the founder of Transgender Michigan, in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence. Crandall hoped to create a day where people could re-focus on celebrating the lives of transgender people, empowering them to live authentically, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible.
It’s more important than ever to not only encourage trans people to be visible but also to be visible in support of the community. If you are looking to show up for trans people this TDOV, we have rounded up 20 events that are happening across the country.
Shine On: A Concert for Trans Day of Visibility – New York, NY
The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus—the world-renowned institution and pioneering voice for the LGBTQ community— performs in celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility. “Shine On: A Concert for Trans Day of Visibility” is hosted by NYC legend, comedian, and international entertainer Murray Hill and features performances by trailblazing actress, singer, DJ, reality star, and activist Peppermint. This program is part of the Gardiner Foundation Great Hall Forum series.
NYC Office of the Public Advocate Trans Day of Visibility Celebration – New York, NY
Join the Office of the New York City Public Advocate in celebrating the New York City Trans community. This experience aims to showcase all the amazing work done by Trans New Yorkers, nurture our growth as a community, and highlight crucial issues.
GayRidge Trans Day of Visibility Happy Hour – New York, NY
In honor of trans day of visibility, GayRidge and South Brooklyn Foundry are hosting a happy hour. From 3-7PM, gather with the local queer community and allies. Then, stay for dinner and a drag show. We hope to see you there! Drink specials and bar food available for purchase from 3-7. Dinner or dessert purchase required to stay for the drag show.
Mississippi Transgender Day of Visibility 2023 -Jackson, MI
Join over a dozen LGBTQ-serving organizations and the community to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) on Saturday, April 1st from 2pm-6pm CT at Fondren Park in Jackson, Mississippi. Can’t make it in person? Host a Watch Party or hang out at home and join us virtually!
TDOV: A Celebration Of Trans Identities – San Fransisco, CA
The TDOV Planning Committee 2023 is hosting its citywide celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility 2023 in the City of San Francisco. The event will be held at the iconic SOMARTS Gallery, 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco which begins at 5:45 pm and goes until 9:30 pm. We will be honoring community members and organizations who have worked, supported and provided allyship to better the lives of transgender people. Plus we will feature amazing trans and gender non-conforming folks to entertain us! The event is free and there will be food, wine and signature cocktails and non-alcoholic pleasures for guests. Please prepare to show proof of age). Walk the red carpet, pose for the camera, and revel in the beauty and joy of our trans and GNC community!
Global South Transgender Day of Visibility – San Francisco, CA
Every March 31st, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is celebrated around the world. It is an annual occasion in which the achievements and contributions of the transgender community to society and the world at large are honored. In honor of TDOV, the event spotlights perspectives, experiences, and thought leadership of Global South transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary immigrants and asylum refugees with a panel discussion + a network power hour at The Commonwealth Club of California in the city of San Francisco! Presented by Center for Immigrant Protection- ParivarBayArea, The LGBT Asylum Project, and The Alwan Foundation in partnership with El/La Para Trans Latinas and Office of Transgender Initiatives.
Transgender Day of Visibility Celebration – Las Vegas, NV
Celebrate transgender excellence and build community at the LGBTQ+ Center of Las Vegas! There will be performers, DJs, awards, and food and drinks.
Share Your Trans Joy and Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility – Santa Cruz, CA
Share Your Trans Joy and Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility at The Diversity Center on Friday March 31st, 2023 from 4:30-6:30. Light bites and refreshments will be provided! Learn about milestones in the journey to equal rights and acceptance and help us create a timeline highlighting moments of transgender history. Visit our interactive creativity stations where you can make a personalized pronoun button, write supportive messages to transgender youth and elders, and create a positive affirmation mandala. Check out our self-care bar where you can have a cup of tea, try a face mask, and make a sugar body scrub.
Crafting w/Your Inner Child Series: Honoring Transgender Day of Visibility – West Palm Beach, FL
indulge in some of the beloved crafts of our childhood. Remember shrinky dinks? Melty beads? Friendship bracelets?? You don’t need to be a child or have a child to make arts & crafts just for the fun of it. Embrace your inner child and come create with us. There are only 2 rules: no judging others and no judging yourself! Join us for the first class as we honor Transgender Day of Visibility and learn more about this important day and the work our facilitator Emmy is doing to celebrate and advocate for the trans community.
Trans Day Of Visibility Awards Luncheon – Temple Hills, MD
On Friday, March 31, 2023, from 11am– 3pm, Heart to Hand, Inc. will host a Trans Day of Visibility Awards ceremony. This day will highlight and give visibility trans individuals in the DMV area on their continuous hard work and dedication in the community.
Sacramento Trans Day of Visibility – Sacramento, CA
Our intention with this event is to make it known to our trans youth and adults that despite whatever may come against the trans community, Sacramento has a safe space for you and we are here to support you. There will be activities art/music inside and tie-dye & storytelling outside. The topic we will be exploring in our storytelling, art, and music is how the trans community defines eldership and the preservation of our history. We will celebrate all of the community members that have come before us in similar moments in history. As well as affirming young adults making their transition to being an elder, we affirm that age is not the only definition of being an elder; lived experience can be just as powerful. Light snacks and beverages will be offered, this is a sober & free event.
TransFamily Support Services Annual TDOV Celebration – Huntsville, AL
TransFamily Support Services invites you to join us for our annual Trans Day of Visibility (TDoV) in Huntsville, AL! TDoV is a day to show your support for the trans/nonbinary community. It aims to bring attention to the accomplishments of trans and gender-diverse people around the globe while fighting cissexism and transphobia by spreading knowledge of the trans community. Unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, this is not a day for mourning: this is a day of empowerment and getting the recognition we deserve! This is a FREE family-friendly, fun-for-all-ages celebration of TGNC identities and peoples. Friends, family, and allies are welcome to join in the fun!
Lancaster Pride Trans Day of Visibility – Lancaster, PA
Join Lancaster Pride at Southern Market Lancaster on March 31, 2023, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm for this free family-friendly event! Dinner can be purchased from the restaurant inside the Market, at the attendees’ expense. Join us for board, tabletop, and card games to play and listen to stories from our community. Although the event is free, donations are encouraged to support Lancaster Pride.
Visibility Through Celebration – For Trans Day of Visibility – Austin, TX
Join us for our community event to take portraits for our trans & non-binary community members to celebrate who they are. Come camera-ready in the look that makes you feel like your most authentic self. Our photo booth will be stocked with props and we’ll have beauty artists nearby to help you with the final touches. And for those who are not trans or non-binary, come support your community by grabbing a drink, eating some good food & cheering them on!
Opening Exhibit: Celebration In Our Existence – Trans Day of Visibility – St. Paul, MN
Transforming Generations & In Progress have partnered up to present work done for the past two years that capture images of trans folks in Hmong & Southeast Asian communities through this FREE exhibit: Celebration In Our Existence. This is dedicated to Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). Come join for the opening reception that’ll include an official showing and sharing of the importance of this work. Food and refreshments will be provided! We encourage you to RSVP so we can adequately prepare for you!
TDOV Community Day – Colombia, SC
Join us for a feel-good day for our trans community and allies at the Statehouse on March 31st from 2-7 pm. This event could be the first in a chain of events specifically focused on uplifting and empowering the Transgender community.
BAGLY Trans Day of Visibility – Boston, MA
Come join the trans & non-binary meeting Friday, March 31st, and celebrate Trans Day of Visibility! Spend some outside time in the beautiful Boston Commons with your friends and peers. We will talk about figuring it out yourself, your stories of the past, what you are feeling now, and your goals for the future!
Drag Queen Bingo To Benefit The MA Transgender Political Coalition – Weymouth, MA
Join us for a drag bingo celebration benefiting MA Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC). Bingo hosted by the fierce queens La Kia Mondale and Amenda Playwith. Prizes, live music, food trucks, craft beer and other bevvies for sale, and lots of shenanigans! Live Music by Dark Crushes and Project: No Sleep! Your $35 donation benefits the transformative and impactful work of MTPC and will be a full night out of fun!
Trans Day Of Visibility Pot Luck Celebration – Athens, GA
Come gather and celebrate TDOV over a potluck-style gathering of appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks on March 31st from 6:30 pm – 8 pm. Contributions are not required for entry but are encouraged and greatly appreciated. There will be a journaling session and guided breathwork meditation centered around healing our relationship with gender expression. This is a space for anyone to heal, destigmatize, and explore gender.
Trans visibility and thriving: Open mic & storytelling – Columbus, OH
There is a cost to visibility and it can be high. Being invisible is impossible. How can we pursue our lives of authenticity while also being safe and protecting our futures? Some days it looks like self-care and some days it might look like protests but it looks different for everyone. Join us to sharing the ways that you protect and nourish our identity. How do we care for ourselves while caring for each other? Resources for Trans and LGBTQIA communities will be available in addition to free parking, food and beverage!
What Do You Think?