Happy International Trans Day of Visibility! A day devoted to acknowledging and celebrating members of the transgender community. From founders to authors and entertainers, we’re honoured to be part of and surrounded by such a loving and beloved community. 

Today, we’re shining a light on a few inspiring figures within our global community, who have made an impact on trans rights and are amplifying gender diverse voices every single day.


What is TDOV?

Trans Day of Visibility was started by activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 as a reaction to the lack of recognition and celebration of trans people. Previously, the only well-known gender diversity focused day was a day of mourning – the Trans Day of Remembrance. Today, TDOV acknowledges and celebrates living members of the transgender community and has been held on March 31 ever since.


Why visibility matters

As LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox puts it, ‘Visibility is so important, and people need to know that we exist, and we've always existed, but we see that with increased visibility of trans folks, we're also targeted more.’

Our communities are beautifully nuanced, complex and unique. When our mainstream media and legislation doesn’t reflect or recognise the multi-faceted makeup of our society, we foster a culture of neglect, exclusion and erasure. 

For many gender diverse people, a lack of representation can be isolating and straight up harmful. By recognising, sharing and bringing these identities to the surface, we are making space for more informed and inclusive decisions that directly affect these communities. 

 

Here are just some of the inspiring trans advocates and personalities we’re celebrating, following and remembering: 

Rora Mac – Transgender activist and Internationally published model.
If you haven’t watched Rora’s review of the B-Vibe, you’re missing out. Rora is a transgender activist and model, bringing representation to the runway. With her story being shared across publications around the world, Rora beams with gorgeous trans pride in every snap. We can’t help but adore her energy, effervescent approach and social presence. Follow her on Instagram over here.

 

Marsha P. Johnson – Gay liberation and AIDS activist, drag queen and cofounder of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR).
Marsha P Johnson was a devoted activist for gay liberation and one of the first drag queens to frequent Greenwich Village’s Stonewall Inn. As part of the vanguard in the Stonewall uprising, Marsha co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) and STAR House; a safe space for young gay and trans people living on the streets. 

Together with close-friend Sylvia Rivera, a Latina American gay liberation and transgender rights activist, Marsha devoted her life to caring for the young drag queens, trans women, gender nonconformists and gay youths who found themselves without security and community support. She continued to champion the gay liberation movement during the ‘80s, working as an AIDS activist with the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP).

 

Janet Mock – Best-selling author, Emmy-nominated writer, director and executive producer.
Janet Mock didn’t have a seat at the table so she created her own. Signing an historic deal with Netflix in 2019, Janet is the first trans person to sign a production partnership with a major studio, executive producing series like POSE, HOLLYWOOD and MONSTER. She has been named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people, is a New York Times best-selling author of two memoirs, Redefining Realness (2014) and Surpassing Certainty (2017) about her journey as a trans woman. We’re excited about her accomplishments to date, because she’s forging the way for trans writers and creators in the mainstream, and has developed a space for their stories to emerge.

 

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy - Trans rights activist, founder of the House of GG.
Emerging from the perilous 1969 Stonewall Riots, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy has spent over 50 years fighting for her trans/gender non conforming community. From advocating for maginalised people and incarcerated transgender women, to creating House of GG (Griffin-Gracy Historical Retreat and Educational Center), Miss Major has spent her lifetime building up and motivating the trans community. Read more about her commitment to supporting her sisters and wider trans family over here.

Why is TDOV important to us?

Not all sex shops feel inviting or inclusive for women, gender diverse people or the greater LGBTQ+ community. Passionfruit was created to empower and uplift everyone to be their most intimate, creative and sensual selves. We help people do this by providing access to information, resources and products that are approachable, sex positive and inclusive – regardless of experience, ability or gender. We set out to change this from the way we look, to the way we use our platform, our product recommendations and topics of discussion. 

We are always looking for ways to be better allies, and welcome your feedback and suggestions to help us improve.

Wait, isn’t this kinda political?

Absolutely. Because trans people are still having to shout to be heard. To fight against being suppressed or erased from the conversation. We can’t afford to ignore, brush aside or bury trans rights as they are fundamental human rights. 


How to help

  • Being a better ally. Listening, learning and making space for trans and gender diverse people. 
  • Know your pronouns. Take the time to consider and understand the importance of acknowledging pronouns and names and use them correctly.
  • Uplifting trans stories within your community. Sharing the experiences of trans people around you.
  • Celebrating trans pride and achievements. Spreading recognition and acknowledging the accomplishments of gender diverse communities.
  • Familiarising yourself with the barriers to trans justice. From healthcare to education and legislation, get to know the policies preventing trans people from accessing everyday support and services – so you can make a difference with your vote.
  • Recognising and remembering those who have passed. Advocates, community members, and peers; the people who paved the way before us.
  • Donate to Transgender Victoria, the leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy, training and resource development in the state. Donations go towards efforts including subsiding services for gender diverse people, supporting grassroots initiatives, providing industry training to ensure inclusive environments and more.


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