Utah Transgender Day of Visibility to be marked with rally, march, community celebration

Each March 31 is the globally observed International Transgender Day of Visibility, dedicated to honoring the resilience, contributions, and visibility of transgender individuals. Across Utah and beyond, community leaders, advocates, and allies are coming together to celebrate trans lives and raise awareness about the challenges trans people face.

“TDOV is a global event to celebrate nonbinary people — our lives, our stories, and our resilience,” said Dallas Rivas, Glitter Foundation cofounder and trans activist. “It’s about being seen, valued, and heard, especially in a time when our voices are being silenced.”

“But visibility alone is not enough.” Rivas continued. “We need action. Across the country, trans rights are under attack. There are currently 372 active anti-trans bills across 43 states, with 6 in Utah. Too many of these are passing into law. We are facing harmful legislation, misinformation, and real threats to our safety.”

While the official date falls on a Monday this year, events recognizing the occasion are happening throughout the weekend and into the following days. The goal is to highlight the voices and experiences of transgender people, counteract discrimination, and foster an environment of inclusivity and understanding.

Rally and March, March 29

The Glitter Foundation is partnering with the Utah Pride Center to hold a rally and march on March 29. The event starts with a rally at the Utah State Capitol, followed by a march down State Street to Washington Square.

“Whether you are trans, nonbinary, an ally, a friend, or just someone who believes in human rights, your voice matters. We need you there to be seen, to be heard, and to fight for a future where we can still live openly and safely,” Rivas said. “When we show up, and when we stand together, we send a clear message — we are here, we belong, and we will not be erased.”

“Let’s make this the biggest TDoV rally in history.”

Community Celebration, March 31

A Utah Transgender Day of Visibility Community Celebration will take place on Monday evening, March 31, at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center (1335 W. 3100 S., West Valley). The evening will feature entertainment, community connection, and a “celebration of trans joy.” The Mildred Berryman Institute will also exhibit Utah’s early transgender history, dating back to the 1940s.

How Did TDOV Begin?

The observance was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the executive director and co-founder of Transgender Michigan. Unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honors lives lost to anti-trans violence, TDOV is about celebrating life and visibility.

“I think that once a person understands us, it’s hard to discriminate against us,” Crandall-Crocker said in an interview. “I created it because I wanted a time when we don’t have to be so lonely. I wanted a day when we were all together all over the world as one community. And that’s exactly what we are.”

Crandall-Crocker selected the day at the end of March to give it space from the day of remembrance and Pride Month in June, which celebrates all types of LGBTQ+ people.

Why is it Important?

Transgender people have become more visible in public life in the U.S. and elsewhere. However, there has also been a backlash from conservative officials. At least 11 states have adopted policies barring people from using the bathrooms aligning with their gender in schools or other public buildings, 25 have bans on transgender women and/or girls competing in sports for women or girls, and more than 20 have adopted bans on gender-affirming health care for minors. Some of the policies have been put on hold by courts.

Nico Lang, author of American Teenager: How Trans Kids are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era, which is scheduled to be published later this year, said it’s important to find happiness even amid the political tumult.

“I feel like we as people — all of us queer people, trans people — are trying to assert our humanity right now,” said Lang, who uses they/them pronouns.

They said the day of visibility is powerful because it’s not just on social media but also in real life with rallies and potluck meals.

“It’s just us living our lives,” they said.