Trans Day of Visibility Highlights Resilience and Achievements
Trans Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31, provides an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate and honor trans and non-binary people worldwide. In a year marked by challenges, including anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the U.S. and shifts in gender-affirming care policies in the UK, it is crucial to acknowledge both the struggles and the triumphs of the trans community.
Nikki’s Olympic Achievement
Non-binary athlete Nikki Hiltz competed in the 1500m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing seventh. Hiltz, a middle-distance runner who founded the Pride 5k charity race, used their platform to advocate against what they called “ignorance and hate” directed at trans athletes. The Pride 5k has raised over $172,000 for The Trevor Project since its inception in 2020.
Photo: YouTube
“Anti-trans rhetoric is anti-woman,” Hiltz wrote in an Instagram post during the Olympics. “These people aren’t ‘protecting women’s sports’, they are enforcing rigid gender norms, and anyone who doesn’t fit perfectly into those norms is targeted and vilified.”
Non-Binary Eurovision History
Singer Nemo from Switzerland made Eurovision history in 2024 as the first non-binary winner of the competition. Nemo’s winning track, “The Code,” explores their journey of self-discovery and acceptance of their non-binary identity.
Nemo winning Eurovision 2024. Photo: Shutterstock
In an interview with The Associated Press before the semi-final, Nemo expressed the beauty of being a non-binary artist on a major international stage. “Knowing they like a song where I am unconditionally myself, and I talk about the journey of finding myself and being non-binary, and knowing that it touches them… [is] really beautiful,” Nemo said.
Sarah McBride Makes Waves in Congress
Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender member of Congress in January, following the U.S. election. McBride, 34, made history as the first trans person to be sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives and has been a vocal advocate for trans rights.
Sarah McBride sitting down with CBS News Sunday Morning. Photo: CBS
“The Republican party is obsessed with culture war issues,” McBride said in March, criticizing right-wing politicians pushing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. “The American people deserve serious legislators [and] serious elected officials who are focused on bringing people together to deliver real results for the American people.”
Alex Consani Breaks Boundaries in Fashion
Model Alex Consani made fashion history in December by becoming the first openly transgender woman to win Model of the Year at the 2024 Fashion Awards. Consani, 21, had previously broken barriers by becoming one of the first two openly trans models to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She has also appeared in a Charli XCX music video and walked for designers including Hugo Boss, Burberry, and Chloé.
Photo: Instagram/@alexconsani
In her acceptance speech, Consani acknowledged “those who came before me, specifically the Black trans women who really fought for the space I’m in today – Dominique Jackson, Connie Fleming, Aaron Rose Phillips and countless more who fought for the space that allowed me to flourish today.”
Literary Success with Dylan Mulvaney
Influencer Dylan Mulvaney achieved success with the release of her debut book, “Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer,” in March. The book, which explores her first year of transitioning, became a New York Times bestseller. “They hate to see a trans woman winning,” Mulvaney joked on Instagram after making the bestseller list. “The dolls, we stay winning.”
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Advocacy Against Transphobia
Amidst rising anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans sentiment, trans and non-binary celebrities and activists used their platforms to advocate for the community.
“As trans people our identities have been criminalized, and we found ways to have community, to have joy, and to be ourselves,” Laverne Cox said in an interview discussing political challenges. Elliot Page added, “We are at a time in history where the rights of LGBTQ+ people are being revoked, restricted and eliminated throughout the world, and the effects are devastating.”
@pinknews Ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of Clean Slate on February 6th on Prime Video, we sat down with @Laverne Cox for an insightful conversation about her new show and the broader cultural moment. In our discussion, Cox reflected on what has been a particularly difficult month for the LGBTQ+ community, offering her perspective in the wake of former President Trump’s recent executive order—a move that has sparked concern and uncertainty. #lgbt #trans #usa #lavernecox #donaldtrump
Representation in Entertainment
Trans and non-binary actors continued to increase representation in television and film. While representation remains limited, with trans characters accounting for only 5% of characters in TV and film from 2023 to 2024, their presence is considered crucial. Laverne Cox starred in “Clean Slate,” portraying a trans New Yorker, and trans actor Mary Malone received praise for her role in the Netflix thriller “Missing You.”
Mary Malone in the Netflix series ‘Missing You.’ Photo: Netflix
The Very Mindful, Very Demure Jools Lebron
A TikTok by trans influencer Jools Lebron became a viral sensation, with her “demure” meme gaining significant attention. The word “demure” was even named a “word of the year” by a dictionary. Lebron stated on TikTok that the success of the audio clip enabled her to fund her transition. “One day, I was playing cashier and making videos on my break, and now I’m flying across countries to host events, and I’m gonna be able to finance the rest of my transition,” she said.
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