Trans Day of Visibility

Why is it important?

‘[Trans Day of Visibility] provides an opportunity for trans and non-binary people to feel seen through positive and realistic representation – and for allies to learn more about how they can stand in solidarity. Visibility is crucial. Without exposure to others who think, feel, and live in a similar way to us – especially for those who exist outside of society’s norms – we can feel lost and alone. Visibility allows community to bloom, and for people with shared lived experiences to form bonds across borders.’²

Hostile environment and impact on mental health

TransActual recently released a report, highlighting a range of issues that are impacting trans lives on a daily basis, especially during a time when a rise in anti-trans rhetoric and transphobia is creating hostile environment in the UK.

‘In a UK survey of over 4,000 trans people, TransActual found that 99% say media coverage has harmed their mental health, 99% have heard politicians express transphobic views, and many have been refused non-transition healthcare simply for being trans.’¹

LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers.

This increased risk is often linked to experiences of discrimination, stigma, and social isolation, and is especially prevalent in the trans community with recent discriminatory policies preventing young trans people from accessing healthcare and single-sex spaces.

‘The primary consequences of not having ID that reflected one’s gender identity were worsened mental health or gender dysphoria (80%) and avoiding places where ID might be required (70%). Not having the correct ID also contributed to respondents feeling unsafe (56%) and facing increased discrimination (43%).’¹

Open Door’s programmes

We collect information from our members to ensure our programmes are reaching as many different groups as possible. We found that 35.3% of Bazaar members identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and 9% of our Bazaar members self identified as non-cis, which is a disproportionately high percentage in comparison to the wider population.³

The way we design our programmes are to be open, non-judgemental and supportive of our members, regardless of how they identify. We achieve this by using our peer-mentoring model, meaning that where possible, we can pair mentors with members who have similar lived experiences, and can therefore provide sensitive and informed support based on mutual understanding and trust.

The choice to self-refer also creates a sense of advocacy and safety for prospective members to self identify without judgement, and quickly receive the correct support without additional barriers.

Hear from a member

We recently heard from one of our Bazaar members who identifies as trans, about their experience of receiving support from their mentor Kat (they/them), also a member of the trans community.

“Kat is extremely kind, patient, understanding, and funny. They were super attentive and kind, and they were more understanding than most mental health professionals I’ve seen. Because we are both trans and neurodivergent, it was easier. It was really good being able to talk about the things that have been affecting my mental health without having to first educate the person attempting to help me.

 

I could talk openly about things like wanting top surgery and testosterone without any awkward questions or “are you sure?” I could even discuss in-depth my relationship with gender, all on a level I would never get from a cis medical professional. It was all without judgement and with the assumption that I know my body and what I want from it better than anyone else.

 

I was trusted when I said “this doesn’t work for me, I’ve tried it before” and my mentor helped me think of things that could work instead, building off my previous experience. That trust that I know myself and my own mind and body is something absent from a lot of mental healthcare I’ve had in the past, and I really appreciated it.”

Our Bazaar mentor Kat, also commented that:

“Pairing a trans member with a trans mentor, aligns individuals with lived experiences to validate, not educate and holds space for the individual to follow the programme unfiltered or monitored – this is where the support can have a real impact. For one hour even being in a space with another trans person can be a life-line.”

Community is at the heart of everything, and here at Open Door we will continue to strive to create meaningful opportunities for peer support, centre the lived experiences of members, and cultivate safe, empowering and compassionate support for people of all identities.

Looking for mental health support?

Find out more about our programmes and how to self refer here.

Sources

1. New Trans Lives Report released today by TransActual  – TransActual
2. Trans Day of Visibility: A Global Perspective | Stonewall UK
3. Open Door Charity – Bazaar programme members for 1 November 2023 – 31 October 2024

Header photo used is a stock image depicting Bazaar programme delivery at Open Door.