Trans Day of Visibility takes place every 31 March. The day celebrates the lives and contributions of transgender and non-binary people, and raises awareness of discrimination faced by trans people worldwide. Trans Day of Visibility was founded in 2009 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall Crocker as a counterpoint to Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance that honours trans people who have lost their lives to violence.
We will be flying the flag over Sussex House from Friday 27 March to Wednesday 1 April to mark Trans Day of Visibility and show support for our trans and non-binary colleagues and students.
Jacqueline de Beaudrap and Rach Vowden, co-chairs of the Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network at Sussex, share their thoughts on the day:
Trans Day of Visibility is one of the days of the year in which we celebrate the diversity of human nature: in this case, by recognising the presence of transgender people.
We have always been here, though described in different ways in different times and places: in ancient Mesopotamia, Africa, Asia, Polynesia, the Americas — and yes, in Europe, and in England specifically, in medieval times and the industrial age just as today. Some of these societies understood and accepted us, even celebrated us. Other times we have hid by conforming, on one side or on the other of society's gender norms: often times for safety, but often enough simply as an expression of who we are. But we have always been here.
We echo the words of our previous chair, James Ward-Lee, in saying that media created by trans people can be a good access point for cisgender people to learn about trans experiences. We would recommend work by local charity The Clare Project, which has a resource for friends and family of trans people that would be useful for any allies to read.
It is our personal view — whatever the government of the day might say — that whether a trans person shares their status as transgender with anyone else should be a question of their own privacy and autonomy. And there are very few of us who feel that the amount of media or legal fascination with us is in any way necessary or justified. But for those of us who are willing to be publicly seen through the lens of our gender journey, Trans Day of Visibility is a time for us to openly celebrate who we are, and a day for allies to celebrate and support the trans people in their lives — whatever form of support their trans friends, families, and colleagues might each need.
Events
The Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network have booked a stall at the Library Quad from 10am - 4pm on Tuesday 31 March. They'll have badges to give out to students, staff, and allies and will be showing the Trans flag. You are welcome to stop by to help man the stall or have a chat!
Support for trans and non-binary staff and students
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The Trans and Non-binary Staff Network at Sussex is a confidential and fully inclusive group open to all Sussex staff who identify as trans and/or non-binary. You can join the confidential mailing list by contacting transnonbinarystaff@sussex.ac.uk. The mailing list is monitored and accessed solely by the Chairs of the Trans and Non-binary Staff Network.
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Staff members who identify as LGBTQ+ can join our LGBTQ+ Staff Network by contacting lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network arranges events and activities through the year. Many of their events are open to all staff, and some events are also open to students. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network is fully open to and inclusive of trans and non-binary members. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network often collaborates with the TNB Staff Network and they frequently deliver events together.
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Students who identify as trans and/or non-binary, or who are intersex, can contact the Students’ Union Trans and Non-binary Officer by emailing transnonbinary@sussexstudent.com. They can also get involved with Transcend, a SU-affiliated campaign and network aimed at uplifting the lives of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students at the University of Sussex and beyond: transcend.sussex@sussexstudent.com
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Students who identify as LGBTQ+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support or information.
Other resources and support
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The University of Sussex is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community. If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using Report and Support.
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The University’s Wellbeing Support Guide contains a dedicated section signposting to a variety of LGBTQ+-specific resources.
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Students can find resources and support at the Student Centre and on the Sexuality and Gender Support and Information web pages.
Trans and non-binary e-learning
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Staff may wish to explore relevant e-learnings around Trans Day of Visibility. In addition to the mandatory Diversity in the Workplace e-learning, the university also provides courses in Trans and Non-Binary Awareness and a guide for managers on Supporting Trans and Non-Binary People at Work.