For many in the transgender community, March 31st is a cherished day—a moment to stand tall, be seen, and affirm our right to exist in a world that too often tries to erase us. Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) was established to counteract the heavy weight of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), which mourns the lives lost to anti-trans violence. TDOV, in contrast, is a celebration—a day to uplift trans voices, achievements, and presence in society. But recently, an unsettling trend has emerged: a growing resistance to TDOV, with some groups pushing for its removal or dilution.
As a transgender woman who spends a significant amount of time online, I have noticed an increasing wave of backlash against TDOV. This pushback, ranging from conservative lawmakers to online detractors, signals a troubling shift in the ongoing culture war over trans rights. Who is trying to cancel Transgender Day of Visibility, and why? And more importantly, what can we do to push back against this erasure?
The Easter Uproar: When TDOV Fell on Easter Sunday
In 2024, TDOV coincided with Easter Sunday, igniting a firestorm of controversy. Conservative media and religious groups used the overlap to argue that TDOV was an attack on Christianity. Right-wing commentators decried it as an intentional slight against religious traditions, although TDOV has been observed on March 31st since its inception in 2009. Social media was flooded with outrage, with claims that recognizing transgender visibility on the same day as Easter was “disrespectful” and “an attempt to overshadow a sacred Christian holiday.”
Yet, the controversy largely ignored the fact that Easter Sunday moves each year. In 2025, Easter falls on April 20th—nearly three weeks after TDOV. This coincidence demonstrates how the uproar was never really about conflicting holidays but rather about seizing an opportunity to push an anti-trans narrative. The argument was never about timing—it was about erasing trans people from public recognition.
RELATED: Navigating Confluence: Trans Day of Visibility and Easter 2024
The Origins and Importance of Trans Day of Visibility
Transgender Day of Visibility was founded in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker. Unlike TDOR, which solemnly commemorates lives lost, TDOV was meant to be a day of joy and empowerment. It provides a counter-narrative to the media’s constant portrayal of transgender people as victims. Instead of being defined by tragedy, TDOV reminds the world that we are here, thriving, contributing, and living our truths.
Visibility is a double-edged sword, though. While it can be empowering, it also comes with risks. The more we are seen, the more we become a target for anti-trans rhetoric and policies. And that visibility is precisely what some groups want to suppress.
Who Wants to Cancel Trans Day of Visibility?
The resistance to TDOV comes from multiple directions, and the reasoning varies depending on the group in question. Some of the most vocal opponents include:
Far-Right Politicians and Conservative Groups
Several Republican lawmakers have openly criticized TDOV, framing it as an example of “gender ideology” being forced into public spaces. President Donald Trump has been particularly vocal in his opposition to transgender rights, recently signing an executive order defining gender strictly as male and female. The order effectively erases legal recognition and protections for transgender individuals. “We are stopping the radical left from pushing gender insanity on our children,” Trump stated. (Source)
In some states, efforts have been made to block TDOV events in schools, arguing that acknowledging transgender people constitutes “indoctrination.” Florida, Texas, and other conservative-led states have seen school boards and parent groups attempt to prohibit any acknowledgment of the day, often under the guise of “protecting children.”
Anti-LGBTQ Organizations
Certain organizations, particularly those that oppose LGBTQ rights as a whole, have turned their attention toward TDOV. Groups like the Family Research Council and Moms for Liberty have campaigned against TDOV, arguing that visibility equates to forcing gender discussions on the public. They claim that celebrating transgender people is “confusing” for children and have lobbied to have TDOV-related events removed from public schools and workplaces.
The LGB Alliance, a group that has been described as opposing transgender rights, has expressed concerns about “attempts to introduce confusion between biological sex and the notion of gender.” (Source)
TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist) Groups
There is also opposition from certain segments of the feminist movement, particularly those who subscribe to trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF) ideologies. Some of these groups argue that TDOV takes away from women’s rights and that trans visibility diminishes their fight for gender equality.
Helen Joyce, a well-known gender-critical activist, stated during a talk at Oxford University: “The belief in being ‘born in the wrong body’ is dangerous and medically irresponsible. We need to reduce the number of transitions, not encourage them.” (Source)
Online Misinformation and Extremist Communities
Social media has become a breeding ground for misinformation about TDOV. Recently, far-right influencers and extremist groups have spread conspiracy theories claiming that TDOV is part of a broader attempt to “erase cisgender people.” These narratives are often rooted in transphobia and fear-mongering, but they gain traction among audiences already primed to distrust LGBTQ movements.
Chloe Cole, a prominent detransition activist, has taken a hard stance against gender-affirming care and TDOV, stating at a rally, “The trans community is a cult, and we need to save our children from this ideology.” (Source)
At its core, the resistance to TDOV is about control. Visibility threatens the status quo. The more transgender people are seen, the harder it becomes to pretend we don’t exist. Anti-trans movements thrive on dehumanization, and visibility disrupts that narrative.
How Can We Protect Trans Day of Visibility?
As the attacks against TDOV grow, it’s important to push back and ensure this day remains a beacon of hope for transgender people worldwide.
- Continue Celebrating and Promoting TDOV: Visibility itself is resistance. Posting about TDOV, sharing personal stories, and attending events are all ways to keep the day alive. If your workplace or school acknowledges TDOV, show your support and encourage others to participate.
- Call Out Misinformation: Online disinformation is one of the biggest threats to TDOV. If you see false narratives about the day, challenge them with facts. Engage respectfully when possible, but don’t be afraid to block and report outright hate speech.
- Support Trans Advocacy Organizations: Groups like the National Center for Transgender Equality, Trans Lifeline, and GLAAD are constantly working to defend trans rights. Donating, volunteering, or simply amplifying their work can make a difference.
- Educate Others: Many people simply don’t understand the significance of TDOV. Engaging in conversations with family, friends, and coworkers can help normalize the day and counteract the misinformation spread by anti-trans groups.
The Bottom Line
Transgender Day of Visibility is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a statement of existence, resilience, and hope. The efforts to cancel TDOV are not just about one day—they are part of a broader strategy to erase trans people from public life. But we are here. We have always been here. And no matter how hard they try, they cannot make us invisible again.
On March 31st, and every day, we will continue to shine.
