This is my second time celebrating, or perhaps, observing Trans Day of Visibility since I came out. Last year, only one other person knew besides me. This year, I am surrounded by such amazing friends who’ve accepted me for who I am.

In most cases, this wasn’t a big deal as I’m still who I always was. Some have gone out of their way to make it even more special. And there’s definitely some amazing people in medicine and in restaurants, who just treat me like a person (ref: my recent doctor and now dentist visits).

Today, I wore shorts for the welcome spring warmth, cute shoes, and my “Kindness is Free” shirt. I had my trans pride flag heart-shaped studs on as well as a dash of my favorite perfume (Lake & Skye 11 11 Vanilla). I felt on top of the world.

But, as much as I want to celebrate, I know how privileged it is for me to be able to be open. I’m in a trans friendly state, in a good neighborhood, and I can work from home so I’m not constantly on guard out in public. But I’ll never blend in or be confused for a cis woman. And I don’t want to. I am trans and that means so many things to me, as well as meaning so many possibly different things to my sisters, brothers, and family. I keep exploring it through writing, journaling, and exploring the boundaries out there.

I think those who are able to should stand up, and stand out, so that we are more seen. That we define ourselves, rather than be defined by those who use us to further their political careers. Or worse, those who hate us because their twisted cults tell them that their sons, daughters, spouses, friends or neighbors are evil because they can’t understand them or they threaten their power and control over their members.

Some can’t be safe if they’re visible, today or any day in many parts of the United States (and world, since along with our movies and tech, we’ve exported our hate). Some choose not to be visible for a myriad of reasons. As I can be visible and I want to be visible, I choose to be visible. To show, hopefully, that I’m just a person like they are, trying to get by, understand this world we live in, and find love and friendship. If one person opens their mind, that’s a win. And if no one does, so be it.

But, this isn’t enough. Standing up for an hour, a day, or a year, isn’t enough. Engage with your elected officials. Call or write them. Let them know they represent us too. Help out trans communities and friends: buy their books & zines. Support them staying alive and let them thrive, not barely survive. There are many ways and each of us has different ways of helping: cash, connections, knowledge, power. If you can help, you should help.

We have always been here and we always will be. 🩷 🏳️‍⚧️