NOW Celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility

WASHINGTON, D.C. – NOW is proud to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. Today we remind the world that trans women are women, trans girls are girls, and that non-binary and gender-nonconforming people are valid in their stated identities. We celebrate the accomplishments of trans people across the globe and particularly thank the trans community for their contributions to the feminist movement.  

Trans people are denied basic civil rights and face increasing legislative challenges to their constitutionally-guaranteed rights from misinformed legislators. This community should feel safe and proud to be who they are instead of overwhelming fear. We must push back on these attacks. 

This community has suffered a long history of verbal and physical violence. 2020 was the deadliest year on record for the transgender community, especially transgender women, seeing more than 44 killingsThe unchecked transphobic rhetoric has particularly affected Black and Latinx trans women. Trans Americans also endured four years of a president that actively campaigned against them, eliminating vital protections, and scaling back their basic constitutional rights. But today is a new dayNOW has applauded President Biden for repealing the regressive trans military ban and for nominating the first trans government official to be confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Rachel Levine. But progress can’t stop here. 

Despite having an ally in the White House, several states have launched an all-out assault on trans rights, from bans on gender-affirming care to prohibitions against trans women and girls participating in sports according to their gender. We at NOW know how essential health care – like gender-affirming services – can be twisted and politicized anti-choice politicians use the same tactic against abortion care. NOW stands with the trans community in solidarity to fight these vicious, discriminatory attacks.  

NOW is dedicated to achieving intersectional equality to ensure no population feels forced to live in the shadows. Visibility matters. We all deserve the same access, freedoms, and opportunities to embrace our true selvesAnd we must respect each person’s right to bodily autonomy and self-determination – regardless of their gender identityOn this important day, it is essential that we work to protect trans people of all identities and origins  

Contact: Press Team, press@now.org,