As March comes to an end, we would like to formally celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility with all CASAns. We dedicate this day to all transgender and non-binary people all over the world.
This day is in celebration of the accomplishments and achievements of the trans community, together with raising awareness in regards to their presence in society and the constant call for trans justice.
In honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility, CASA Chronicle is shedding light on some of the notable transgender people in our history and what they did for the trans community.
Lili Elbe
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| Image source: Nikolaj Pors |
To learn more about Lili Elbe, click here.
Sylvia Rivera
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| Image source: Val Shaff |
Sylvia Rivera was a well-known Latina-American transgender woman who advocated against the exclusion of transgender people in society, especially those who are people of color. Back when transgender people were not welcomed in the mainstream lesbian and gay communities, she used her voice to fight for trans justice and inclusion. Sylvia had mentioned that if it weren’t for the drag queens, there wouldn’t be a gay liberation movement. Moreover, she started the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) together with Marsha Johnson which became a group where they can discuss the issues revolving around the transgender community in NYC. Alongside this, a safe space for transgender people who need housing was also created called the STAR HOUSE.
For more details on Sylvia Rivera, you may visit the National Women's History Museum website.
Marsha P. Johnson
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| Image source: British Vogue |
Marsha P. Johnson became a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community as a self-identified drag queen and gay liberation activist. She referred to herself as a "transvestite" and through the art of drag, Marsha was able to discover her true identity; being collectively known as a "drag mother" by the LGBTQ+ youth who are homeless and struggling in life. Together with Sylvia Rivera, they built the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) which provided a home for homeless LGTBQ+ people in different parts of the US and UK. Moreover, she was one of the notable figures in the 1969 Stonewall uprising alongside Sylvia Rivera.
Kataluna Enriquez
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| Image source: LA Times |
Creating a new record in history, Kataluna Enriquez became the first trans-winner of Miss Nevada's pageant. However, dare we say society wasn't quite on her side, causing her to be eliminated early in the battle for the Miss USA crown. Despite that, during an interview with Yahoo, Kataluna had told them that she was still honored to be able to represent the trans community and be an example for queer children.
For more details about Kataluna Enriquez, click here.
It is quite disheartening to see that even in today's times, there are still people in society being prejudiced and unaccepting of trans people. For decades, the trans community faced hardships as they fought for rights, acceptance, and inclusion in society. It is hard to find a reason why some parts of the world remain unwilling to embrace people who do not conform to socially constructed gender norms.
CASA Chronicle would like to let this day be an important reminder that trans people matter and that we should continue to fight alongside them. As majors in the communications field, we can and should use our voice and knowledge to raise awareness and advocate for the rights and freedom of trans members in society. Trans lives matter and no person, regardless of their gender identity, should ever feel invalid and unwelcome.
Once again, happy International Transgender Day of Visibility CASAns!
