Transgender Day of Visibility

Since 2009, Transgender day of Visibility (TDOV) has been a day for the Trans community to be visible, to take up space and to raise their voices in celebration.

TDOV is important because the Transgender community is often vilified and demonised within politics, the media and society at large. In a multitude of countries, transgender people face persecution and vilification. Tragically, in some places, they are even subjected to capital punishment.

TDOV provides an opportunity to challenge these negative perceptions and stereotypes, and to celebrate the courage, resilience, and contributions of the transgender community.

To celebrate and recognise the day held on 31^st March, we spoke to students in the transgender community as they kindly shared their experience and why TDOV is so important.

RMIT students June (left) and Dylan (right).

June (she/they) – Diploma of Music

I'm a Melbourne based musician and producer currently doing sound production at RMIT, I'm also really big tabletop roleplaying game nerd! Transgender Day of Visibility helped me feel seen, even when I wasn't out to the world. It gave me comfort, belonging and a sense of community at a time when I otherwise did not have one. I am proud to be promoting Transgender Day of Visibility for those who are in the same place I was, all those years ago.

Dylan (they/them) – Community Services

My name is Dylan and I’m a 21 year old Community Services student. Access to gender-affirming healthcare completely transformed my life, and I am openly and proudly trans because I want young trans people to know there’s a future with so much joy in store for them. I know how meaningful it is to have trans and gender diverse peers and leaders in our communities, and hope that my advocacy creates safer, more inclusive spaces in the disability advocacy and live theatre spaces I work in. My image shows me playing an annoying teenage boy Lucas in the musical ‘I’m Fine’.

RMIT students Otto (left) and Moss (right).

Otto (he/they) - Aviation (Pilot Training)

I’m Otto, a non-binary transgender man and I’m a third year Bachelor of Aviation student. Transgender Day of Visibility is about uplifting trans voices and this, to me, is particularly important in industries with limited representation such as aviation, an industry I hope to spend the rest of my life in. In my entire life, I have only ever met two other transgender pilots, and I hope to one day become a role-model for younger queer people who are interested in aviation, because despite much of its culture, flying is a breathtaking experience and I can’t wait to share it!

Moss (they/them) - Environmental Studies

Hey, my name is Moss and I identify as a trans-nonbinary person. I'm currently doing an Environmental double degree and just got back from studying turtles in Costa Rica. It's so wonderful to have been so openly supported by RMIT in all my studies and genderqueer challenges so far, and I want to recognise and offer support to both those celebrating and to anyone who may be struggling or mourning on this year's Transgender Day of Visibility.

How to be an ally

Being an ally is about more than just not being transphobic. It's about being actively supportive and standing up for the rights and dignity of transgender people.

Allies can positively engage with and support transgender people in several ways:

Educate yourself and others
Use correct pronouns and names
Speak up against transphobia
Support transgender voices
Donate or volunteer
Be respectful and considerate

RMIT Gender Affirmation Guide

RMIT is committed to supporting all students to bring their whole selves to study and work.

The RMIT Gender Affirmation Guide is a toolkit for both students and staff who wish to affirm their gender. It provides a comprehensive guide to processes, templates and emails, and links to internal supports and external organisations that can provide further assistance.

Read the Gender Affirmation Guide here.

18 March 2024

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More information

Transgender Day of Visibility