Every March 31st, the world celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), a day dedicated to honoring the lives, stories, and triumphs of trans folks worldwide. As a pivotal day in the fight for trans rights, TDOV provides a platform to amplify voices often left unheard. This year, I spoke with two trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ and Ballroom Community: Kimberly Jones, Bronx, NY, and Milan Garçon, Long Island, NY. Both share profound insights into what it means to be visible, claim space, and uplift future generations.
Kimberly Jones: “We Finally Walk After People Crawled”
Kimberly Jones, a fierce presence in the ballroom scene, speaks passionately about the progress made by trans people, particularly trans women. “We finally, after decades, walk after people crawled,” she reflects, acknowledging the struggles of earlier generations who fought for the rights and visibility trans individuals enjoy today. As a member of the ballroom community, Kimberly competes in the category of “Realness.” She explains that when she meets people, they treat her with respect—until she tells them she’s trans. “When I tell people I am trans, they are like, ‘Woah,'” Kimberly says. “But that reaction is different than if they already knew who I was, and it’s about the power of visibility.”
Kimberly is deeply aware of the youth’s role in this evolving conversation. She offers a message of empowerment: “To the youth, this is your world. You own it. People will support you. You are going to have a hater or two, but that is okay.” Her words ring with confidence that challenges the status quo. She emphasizes the importance of allies—particularly gay men, butch queens—who offer guidance and protection to trans women. “Allyship looks like butch queens helping trans women, holding their hands, and guiding them,” she explains. But she also cautions, “Be cautious with them. Show up.”
In a world where the rights of trans folks are constantly being questioned, Kimberly is particularly concerned about the potential setbacks in laws surrounding identification. “There’s talk about passports changing,” she warns, “and that could hinder a lot of the youth.” It’s important to keep pushing for inclusion and recognition, especially in schools and workplaces.
Milan Garçon: “Visibility Is Our Moment”
For Milan Garçon, International Transgender Day of Visibility is not just about pride—it is about being seen, heard, and celebrated. “Trans Day of Visibility is a moment for us to really be put on a platform,” Milan says. “It’s a moment for us because it’s not pride; it’s just trans.” This distinction is crucial, as Milan highlights the significance of a day dedicated solely to trans folks, separate from the broader LGBTQ+ celebrations like Pride.
Milan also underscores the importance of intergenerational visibility. “We have a very small number of trans old folks,” Milan notes, pointing out the lack of older trans role models in the community. “Trans Day of Visibility is an intergenerational thing. It is about recognizing where we came from and where we are going.”
In speaking to the youth, Milan encourages them to seize the moment. “Don’t wait. It’s your time now,” they assert, urging young trans people to embrace their truth and make their voices heard without hesitation.
Milan is also candid about the challenges trans people still face, especially in terms of their marginalization within already marginalized communities. “Trans people are a marginalized group of people within a marginalized group of people,” Milan reflects, referencing the historic role trans women played in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly during the Stonewall Riots. “The first brick was thrown by a trans woman,” Milan reminds us, underscoring the pivotal role trans individuals have played in the advancement of queer rights.
When discussing the ongoing struggles in schools and workplaces, Milan suggests a stronger commitment to inclusivity. “Schools and workplaces could double down and go harder,” they say. “They could ensure they have bathrooms for trans women and be more intentional about creating safe spaces for trans individuals.”
A Call to Action
Both Kimberly and Milan’s insights reveal the power of visibility, both in the personal and collective sense. Transgender Day of Visibility is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action. For allies, it is time to step up and show up. For trans folks, it is a reminder that their lives, their stories, and their visibility matter. As Kimberly and Milan make clear, the world is changing, and the trans folks globally are helping to lead that charge. Now is the time to own, live, and be proud of being trans.
