Equality comes in many forms, and it's important to champion the lives and contribution of everyone in society. 

Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV), marked annually on March 31, is an international day dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of transgender and gender diverse people around the world, whilst also raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to eliminate discrimination and further barriers to inclusion within all aspects of society. Marking TDoV helps build a safe, inclusive and respectful culture for all transgender and gender diverse members of the community. TDoV is also an important opportunity to highlight attention on the poverty, discrimination and violence the trans community often faces. 

Does your employer actively mark and support TDoV? Or not?

Transgender awareness in the workplace 

Workplace advocate Out and Equal states, “For employers, TDoV presents a vital opportunity to engage employees and the community as a whole in conversations and programming elevating transgender stories, demonstrating support, and raising awareness of the key issues faced by transgender/Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) individuals in the workplace.”

There are many ways to show support on TDoV, both in your personal life and the workplace. 

• Update your pronouns on email signatures, Zoom and TEAMs profiles
• Show your support on social media with the hashtag #TDOV2022 
• Familiarize yourself with your company’s trans policies and guidance 
• Engage with trans colleagues and celebrate their achievements   
• Advocate for gender-neutral bathrooms or single stall restrooms 
• Champion healthcare cover that is inclusive of transgender employees 

Transgender allyship 

Out and Equal also highlights that in order to support and elevate transgender voices, it’s important to possess an awareness of the issues faced by the community. Likewise, it explains that, “Employers can continue to celebrate and recognize the transgender community year-round by considering the ways it can support and develop transgender/GNC leadership.”

“Focused support, professional development, and mentorship opportunities are just a few of the ways in which employers can ensure transgender/GNC employees are represented in senior leadership positions,” explains Out and Equal. 

Employee Resource Groups are also an effective way to facilitate mentorship program, pair senior employees with junior employees in order to expand leadership opportunities.

A global day of visibility for the transgender community 

Founded by Rachel Crandall, a U.S-based transgender activist, in 2009, TDoV was formed to create a day of ‘visibility’ for the transgender community. The day was adopted by Ireland and Scotland in 2014, and has since become a global event to revere the contributions, success and resilience of the trans community. 

According to LGBTQ charity GLAAD, society is becoming more accepting as trans people feel increasingly comfortable and confident being publicly and fully themselves, and media representations of their lives begin to improve. However, it notes that, “It is still necessary for trans people to be seen and through authentic, diverse, and accurate stories to reflect the actual lived experiences of trans people; both for themselves and for those people who believe they've never met a trans person.”

Unleash your talent at a transgender-inclusive employer 

Want to move your skills and experience to a fair, inclusive and diverse environment? 

Prime employers value and empower all voices. Check out these inclusive companies. 

Find out more