Since 2009 March 31st has been Transgender Day of Visibility created expressly to raise awareness and educate the community. However, as a broader concept visibility is especially important for the trans and gender diverse community. It is the core of the quest to improve conditions in society and help support future generations, but it is continually under threat.

The absence of visibility

Growing up there was no visibility to the trans community to guide many of us in our journey or allow us any role models. We had to blunder through the world blind and isolated unaware of others like us or what the feelings inside meant. In fact, the only representations of Trans lives we had were the few references of Transexuals in popular culture all reinforced negative stereotypes. Either as the potentially dangerous killers like in Silence of the Lambs or a source of comedy like in Basketball, hell in Ace Ventura they managed to combine the two. As a result, with the absence of any alternative visibility we were left to fear the possibilities and encouraged to conform.

The internet gave those of us that were children of the 90s some hope to connect and learn about Trans identities. However, this was still impacted by the available knowledge of the time and the absence of any well-known role models made looking for information difficult. To add to the popular culture representation this often meant that the most visible depiction of especially trans women was as sex workers and porn stars. Once again hardly a great vision of a potential future. The lack of visibility added to the uncertainty, that feeling of the unknown and the fear of any possibilities. It contributed to the reasons why for me and so many others the truth remains hidden for so long.

Visibility through public figure

Since my own youth thankfully a lot has changed an over the last 15 years, we have seen an increase in the visibility of transgender and gender diverse people in public life. This change has seen the rise of numerous transgender actors across a variety of film and Television roles. The success of Laverne Cox’s performance in Orange is the New Black has helped encourage in recent years an increase in the representation of trans experiences and provided opportunities for actors like Hunter Schafer, Yasmin Finny and Ian Alexander. The most important element of this increase in visibility is that it has often included successful and long-running shows that have a profound cultural impact. In Australia it is Georgie Stone’s role in Neighbours that represents a shift in our culture towards acceptance but also had the greatest opportunity to raise awareness and connect with contemporary trans teens. As a medium, film and television creates the most powerful form of visibility as not only can the wider community see the success of trans actors but also connect with characters which has always been an essential element of liberating minorities.

Outside of the film industry, however, we have still had an increased visibility across a variety of fields. The recent rise of Kim Petras as the first Transgender singer to win a grammy for Unholy with Sam Smith is once again a huge public indorsement. However, beyond Petras the industry has numerous other trans artists making themselves known like Ryan Cassata and Shea Dimond not to mention non-binary performers like G-Flip. Similar to the portrayal of trans characters on screen many of these musical performers have also represented elements of their experience in their songs. A medium that allows many of us to relate on an emotional level, finding a voice for our frustrations and pain. As a result, the visibility in the music industry like in film has an immense cultural impact on encouraging acceptance alongside connecting with trans and gender diverse fans.

Beyond having visible role models in these and other public fields, the ability of public figures to share their story and advocate for the community is more powerful. In these instances, public figures like Elliot Page are often forced to come out amongst a high degree of public scrutiny and have the added complexity of negotiating the implications for their professional career. This in itself is relatable to different sections of the community like me that might need to deal with the complexities of transitioning later in life. In Page’s situation the “Umbrella Academy” adapted well and affirmed his identity in away the modelled a supportive family. Through his continuation as a public figure and the publication of his autobiography, the Page represents the challenges of a different journey. In a comparable way Dani Laidley while no longer in the height of her football career, was forced due to the corruption of Victoria Police and the attitude of the Herald Sun to face a very public transition. However, despite her hardships she has sort to reclaim the narrative and share her experience become an advocate for our community as she works her way back into the AFL. In these examples not only do we have visibility of different trans identity but more importantly a real depiction of trans experience that helps build awareness in society.

The everyday role model

Public figures have a significant role to play in helping drive large scale cultural awareness and signal to the community that they are acceptable. However, like many superstars they all seem distant, and their lives are not relatable. This means that we can often discount their experience as the result of their talent and profession. As such the success and acceptance on display still seems surreal and unattainable. Afterall most kids sitting in a classroom can’t really see themselves in an episode of Dr Who although they appreciate the message it sends. Because of this, often the most meaningful visibility is the everyday role models and community members that they might come across daily.

It is the members of our community that are in medicine, law, education, technology, trades, and every other form of employment that makes the largest impact. Our very existence and willingness to keep going about our lives sends a clear message to others. That transgender people can be successful and lead fulfilling normal lives, for many it can give them an appreciation of a future that had seemed impossible. It is remarkable that just by going about our everyday business and living our lives could have such a monumental impact. Even for those that are just interested in living a quiet life and passing at some stage we influence everyone we have a chance of influencing everyone we encounter, whether it is the work colleague that decides to do some research on trans issues or the patient receiving treatment in emergency.

However, those that are confident and willing to share can offer another level of connection through our visibility. It might start with a pin or a lanyard showing our pride, a calling card for others, a signal that we are not ashamed. These symbols are more than just a sign of visibility but they can also open a conversation, whether it is a question about the Trans pride flag or something about our experiences itis always an opportunity to educate the wider community. More importantly by making ourselves visible in this way we present ourselves as someone that other trans or gender diverse poeple can seek out. In my own experience as teacher this had led to a some very powerful moments and the oppertunity to support some kids stuggling with their identity and social context. Through this way not only have I been able to have an important influence on making these students feel positive about themselves, but it has been a rewarding experience for me, encouraging my continued visibility.

The danger of visibility

Unfortunately, as we become more visible it is going to provoke an increasing loud response from conservatives and anti-trans movements. To them the changes in our society represents a threat to their values as they encourage people to resist the shame and expectations that have been used to enforce traditions. These groups see these values as the core to their prospects and power so anything that potentially impacts this becomes a point of conflict. As a result, the louder we get the more desperate and combative these movements will become out of fear and an attempt to maintain power. Their approach is to appeal to lack of education through creating a narrative of fear and representing our visibility as ‘indoctrination’. At the same time, where possible, they want to attack our opportunities to share our stories through things like book bans. The approach is clear; to decrease our visibility and send us back to the shadows.

However, as it creates danger, the only way to realistically neutralize the effectiveness of these right-wing strategies is to educate. By raising awareness of trans experience and highlighting some of the facts decrease the success of fear campaigns. The difficulty is connecting with these sections of society which is only possible by continuing to increase our visibility.