Trans Day of Visibility (TDoV) takes place every 31 March. It marks a time to celebrate and highlight the achievements of trans and non-binary (TNB) people, and to raise awareness of discrimination faced by trans people worldwide.
We will be flying the flag over Sussex House from Wednesday 27 March to Wednesday 3 April to mark TDoV and show support for our Trans and Non-binary colleagues and students.
Trans and Non-binary inclusion is central to the University’s organisational LGBTQ+ Inclusion Action Plan and part of our Inclusive Sussex Strategy is to be in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index Top 100 list by 2025.
What is Trans Day of Visibility?
Trans Day of Visibility was founded in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall, in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence.
She 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 not every trans person can or wants to be visible.
“When the topic of being trans comes up, it is often mentioned alongside “choice”. Being trans isn’t a choice, but being visible – being out – should be. We get to choose who knows us. However, this is not the easy choice it should be. Instead, all trans people must make a hundred choices a day about being visible, mostly based on safety.
It is a good opportunity today to consider, what choices trans allies are making. Some of these choices are easy to make, such as correcting yourself quickly on a wrong pronoun or accepting a name change on a register.
Some of them are perhaps more difficult, such as gently correcting a colleague who misgendered someone, or talking to someone about how you can make their lives a little easier that day.
Try and take a moment today to consider – how can I be someone who trans people feel safe being visible around?”
– James Ward-Lee, Chair of the Trans and Nonbinary Staff Network.
The Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network has created an informative article for allies: TNB Statement for Friends and Allies.
Staff networks
Trans and Non-Binary (TNB) Staff Network
The TNB Staff Network is open to all trans and non-binary members of staff at the University.
It is a confidential and a fully inclusive group, open to all members of staff or postgraduates who identify as Trans/Non-Binary. The network meets occasionally to discuss and review policy development, as well as organising different events throughout the year.
If you would like to join the network or would like further information you can contact the network by emailing the mailing list transnonbinarystaff@sussex.ac.uk. The mailing list is monitored and – to ensure confidentially – is accessed only by the Trans Convenor.
LGBTQ+ Staff Network
The LGBTQ+ staff network is open to all LGBTQ+ staff at Sussex. To join the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, contact: lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk.
“The LGBTQ+ Staff Network wholeheartedly welcomes trans and non-binary staff members. We are currently undertaking a revitalisation of the network with the aim of providing new content and activities soon – watch this space!”
– The LGBTQ+ Staff Network Committee.
For Staff
- Staff can contact a Dignity and Respect Champion, who are there to support staff who want to raise concerns about Dignity and Respect at Sussex.
- More information can be found on the EDI Unit’s LGBTQ+ Equality web pages.
For Students
- Students who identify as trans and/or non-binary, or who are intersex, can contact the Students’ Union Trans and Non-Binary Group by emailing transnonbinary@sussexstudent.com
- Students who identify as LGBTQ+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support or information.
- Students can also find a number of resources and support at the Student Centre and on the Sexuality and Gender Support and Information web pages.