Today (31 March) is Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) a day where around the world we celebrate the accomplishments of trans, gender non-conforming and non-binary people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans liberation.

Over recent years, we’ve seen a rise in anti-trans rhetoric from legislation to the media. At Mermaids, we wanted to look towards the future and ask the trans community and our allies what their hopes are and what they commit to doing to make the world a better place for trans people.

Our Helpline Service Officers play a key role in supporting the trans youth and families that interact with us. Keith Reynolds is one of them. Their hope for the future is “that every trans person is accepted and celebrated by their loved ones and the wider community. I also hope that in the future no trans person feels scared to come out or to walk down the street.”

It’s incredible and it’s empowering to see trans people on TV, competing at the Olympics and being elected to office. But the increased visibility we’ve experienced in recent years has come at a huge cost, leaving many trans, non-binary and gender diverse people feeling isolated and afraid. We’re working hard to change that. But change can’t happen overnight.

Our in-house researcher, Dr Abby Barras said, “As a researcher and sociologist who focuses on gender and inclusion in sport, my hopes are frequently centred on how we can encourage society to be more welcoming of trans people playing sport. It’s time to move away from conversations that polarise sporting communities, and instead look for opportunities that bring people together, by playing the sport they love with their friends.”

We also asked some of our staff and patrons to imagine a better future for trans, non-binary and gender diverse people and record what they thought. Here’s what they dreamt up…

Now is the time to proudly stand with the trans community and there is no better way to do it than by wearing some of our TDOV merch (that also supports the work we do!). 

How can you help the trans community? 

• Take the pledge to #ProtectTransKids today and share your message of support on social media.
• Speak to a diversity lead at work about signing your team up for a training session with Mermaids. 
• Put your pronouns in your bio and email signature. 
• Organise a fundraising event or make a monthly donation.

Remember, being an ally is a call to action.