Resources for Transgender Day of Visibility and Beyond

Each year, March 31 is recognized as Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). Founded in 2009, the day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and victories of transgender and gender non-conforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to save and protect trans lives.

In observance of this day in 2023, Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance, the National Benevolent Association, and other Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ministries and congregations gathered for In the Light of Day: A Transgender Day of Visibility Vigil. This 12-hour vigil was held virtually and featured presentations about gender diversity in scripture, celebrated trans youth within the denomination, and offered a variety of online resources for faith communities to continue the conversations and learning opportunities well beyond TDOV.

Resources

Below is a round-up of resources shared by Rev. RJ Robles during AllianceQ’s vigil.

• Colors of Hope: A Devotional Journal from LGBTQ+ Christians, Edited by Melissa Guthrie
• Institute for Welcoming Resources
• Ashes Alive, An Easter Week Community Gathering from Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance
• National LGBTQ Task Force
• Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance Resource Page
• Trans Aid Nashville
• Faith-Based Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention Guide, National Benevolent Association

Reflection Questions

Below we’ve offered some questions to encourage deep thought and reflection, either on your own or with a group. We encourage you to grab a piece of paper, a writing utensil, or other creative tools (stickers, crayons, markers) to create a response.

• Why is Transgender Day of Visibility important?
• How will you continue to uplift and support trans and gender-expansive communities beyond TDOV?
• Why is transgender awareness important? How can trans voices be amplified without also being tokenized?
• What is one way your congregation or community can create or become a brave space for trans and gender-expansive individuals?

A Prayer of Solidarity and Support

Holy God, we so often feel overwhelmed, alone, isolated, and at a loss of where to turn. In the depths of our despair, may we hear that still small voice that reminds us that we are your children, we are your beloved Creation. Grant us the courage to keep on living, keep on resisting, and keep showing up to change systems and hearts for liberation. Remind us that we are loved by people and communities that we may not even know. Stir in us the courage to keep sharing love – deep, spiritual, agape love – a kind of love linked to justice that leads to meaningful change. May it be so. Amen.

by Rev. April Lewton, NBA