Today is Transgender Day of Visibility. This annual day of recognition is an international event occurring every March 31st. We at Bet Tzedek celebrate, uplift, and support the trans and gender-diverse community, something we do every day through our mission and work. To all of our transgender friends and community members, we see you and stand with you in solidarity — today and every day.
We are deeply saddened and indignant about the onslaught of anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation emerging throughout the nation. According to the ACLU, there are currently 435 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S., affecting all facets of life, from free speech and expression to healthcare and education. Much of this legislation targets children, a vulnerable population, with more than 10 states banning gender-affirming healthcare for youth. Kentucky and West Virginia are the latest states to push this harmful legislation. Eighty five percent of trans and nonbinary youth said their mental health was negatively affected by these laws.
This is an appalling attack on a marginalized community that is already struggling every day with discrimination, threats to their safety and health, and lack of access to basic needs like employment and housing. This is also an intersectional issue, as trans women of color — especially those who are immigrants — face the most barriers.
About 5 percent of young adults in the U.S. are trans. Forty four percent of U.S. adults say they personally know someone who is trans and 20 percent know someone who is nonbinary. As society progresses, more and more people are choosing to come out. We must ensure their safety and wellbeing as they do so, and help build a world in which they are not only accepted but embraced.
Bet Tzedek offers a free legal name and gender marker change clinic to the trans and gender-diverse community. One of our most sought-after services, we are able to assist hundreds of individuals each year with getting one step closer to affirming publicly who they are. One of our clients, Mars Wright, said, “I remember seeing Bet Tzedek’s posts on Instagram for free gender marker and name change and I was literally like crying because I was so excited. At the time, it all felt so overwhelming and scary, and I was just so happy to find that there were people out there who were going to help me.”
Today, we want to re-iterate our unwavering support for the trans and gender-diverse community. We denounce the bills and laws that are harming the community and standing in the way of progress. We encourage everyone to offer words and actions of solidarity to the trans and gender-diverse community.
For our transgender justice programs, visit our website here.
Here are some helpful national resources, courtesy of CNN:
General support:
The Trans Lifeline can be reached in the US at 1-877-565-8860 and in Canada at 1-877-330-6366
The LGBT National Hotline is available at 1-888-843-4564. They also provide a LGBT Senior Hotline at 1-888-234-7243 and LGBTQ Youth can call 1-800-246-7743 or join youth chat rooms here.
The Trevor Project crises counselors can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. Text ‘START’ to 678-678 to connect via text message, or chat online here.
The SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline can be reached at 1-877-360-5428
Dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They also provide a Lifeline Chat here, and additional LGBTQ resources here.
Text ‘HOME’ to 741741 to connect with crises counselors at Crises Text Line. To connect to their counselors on WhatsApp, click here.
Anti-violence:
The Anti-Violence Project offers a free 24-hour bilingual crisis intervention hotline. Call or text 1-212-714-1141 to report violence anonymously, connect to counseling, or get safety guidance and legal help. You can also report violence online here.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 or by chat here. Their advocates can also provide LGBTQ resources and help create a safety plan.
The RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline is 1-800-656-4673. They also provide an online hotline. Their website offers support for LGBTQ survivors of Sexual Violence.
FORGE provides resources for transgender victims of crime and violence, and a guide for partners and friends of transgender sexual violence survivors.
Discrimination and loss of rights:
The Transgender Law Center Help Desk lists helpful resources by issue area and has an online submission form for specific questions.
The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund’s Trans Health Project helps transgender and non-binary people understand the trans-related health care available, and the steps to get the care they need.
Transathlete compiles athletic policies on trans inclusion by location and sport division for athletes, coaches and administrators.