Next Tuesday, on March 31, communities around the world mark Transgender Day of Visibility—a day to celebrate the lives, gifts, resilience, and beauty of transgender and gender-expansive people. On this day let us celebrate the courage it takes to live authentically, to claim one’s truth, and to be seen in a world that does not always make space for that visibility.

I want to name that these are times when being visible is especially hard, carrying the risk of violence and criminalization for many. So today, we honor all the journeys of trans people—those who are visible, and those who are not. We celebrate trans joy in all its forms, public or private.

As a community, we recommit ourselves to doing what we can to be a place of deep welcome and belonging—a place where all people are recognized as the blessing they are. May we continue to grow in our care, our courage, and our solidarity, so that trans and nonbinary people are not only safe, but truly celebrated.

In faith,
Rev. Carter

TDOV blessing, by Jami Yandle

The chalice is lit
And in the flames the memory of
our trans and non-binary ancestors
Do a dance of freedom and liberation
Reminding us that
we are whole and holy
We are loved beyond all measure
And in our refusal to accept anything less
May we know we are rooted
In the infinite divinity
Not relegated to the outskirts
of the web of all existence
But enshrined at its core
Enfleshed with stardust and fairy dust
An intentional creation of space where our many Gods live

Resources for Allies

Human Rights Campaign, “Why do Pronouns Matter?”
GLAAD “About Trans Day of Visibility”
Visit Advocates for Trans Equality to learn about legislation and other current issues affecting the transgender community.

Read books, listen to music, and watch movies by and about transgender and nonbinary people. For this year’s best film & TV recommendations: GLAAD Media Awards