Hi everyone,

Thanks for taking time today to mark Transgender Day of Visibility.

This day is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the lives, contributions and achievements of transgender and gender non-conforming people, as well as raising awareness of the issues we face.

Overall, it’s intended to be a positive and uplifting day – offering a stark contrast to Trans Day of Remembrance, when we mourn those we’ve lost to transphobic violence and suicide.

However, it’d be remiss of me not to highlight that Trans Day of Visibility holds even greater significance this year. With ongoing efforts by governments around the world to roll back transgender rights and visibility, and a rising tide of anti-trans sentiment, things feel particularly bleak right now.

Trans people in the US are facing exceptionally dreadful circumstances, so please spare them a thought today in particular.

Here at home in Australia, whilst things are thankfully more tolerant, we are not immune and there are powerful forces working to erode our rights too.

The Queensland government has recently banned the use of puberty suppressants for trans youth – medication that has been safely used, for a variety of medical reasons, for over 20+ years.

Billionaire, Clive Palmer and his “Trumpet of Patriots” party are pouring money into countless TV and newspaper ads that directly attack and mock our community.

Politicians have been involved in organising anti-trans rallies right here in Melbourne on the steps of Parliament.

With a Federal Election on the horizon, I can tell you that trans people are scared and anxious right now.

We’re scared we’ll be used as political pawns, as we saw happen to great effect in the US election.

We’re scared about the rise of anti-trans sentiment and what it means for our ability to go about our daily lives safely and in peace.

We’re scared about actions future governments may take regarding our access to gender affirming healthcare, as well as our right to bodily autonomy and self-determination.

But, even in these increasingly dark times, there is hope.

Trans people have always existed – the Hijras in South Asia for example can be traced back at least 2,000 years. Right here in Australia, gender diverse Brotherboys and Sistergirls have been part of Aboriginal culture for thousands of years – long before European colonisation.

And trans people will continue to exist, as we always have, no matter what presidential orders are signed or what laws are enacted by cynical politicians.

Importantly, whilst there are many who continue to harbour hate towards the trans community, there are countless allies standing shoulder to shoulder with us.

And, right now, we honestly need that allyship more than we ever have.

If you’re trans or gender diverse, please know that your community has your back, and we will support and care for each other no matter what happens.

If you’re an ally, please know that you have immense power and that every little action you take to uplift and protect the trans community matters.

Whatever comes next, I have no doubt that we will get through it together – as we always have.

Natalie Bryan