This is a contribution from a Swampscott High School student, as part of the Swampscott Tides Big Blue Student News selection.
Story By Cam Tracy, Graphic By Zoë Bannister
March 31 marks Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to recognize members of the transgender community and the many contributions they make to modern society despite ongoing waves of discrimination in today’s political climate.
The day of celebration and activism was founded in 2009 by psychotherapist Rachel Crandall-Crocker to raise awareness of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people. Crandall-Crocker aimed to highlight this broader community, shed light on the struggles these groups have faced for years, and inspire others to show their support.
Rates of hate crimes against transgender people, as well as suicide rates, have increased in recent years, alongside the introduction of dozens of anti-transgender bills across 49 U.S. states. Even more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has been proposed, further threatening the rights and well-being of trans people and other queer communities. On Transgender Day of Visibility, the U.S. Supreme Court also struck down Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy, a decision that could impact similar laws in about two dozen states that restrict mental health practitioners from attempting to change a minor’s sexual orientation.
“I think it’s very important just to be there for trans people, show your support.” says Ezra Maki, a transgender senior and member of the Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) at Swampscott High School. “It’s still difficult, there’s still so much transphobia and it sucks, a lot sometimes but being trans, it is sort of like being who you truly are and that’s really awesome and cool, and when other people don’t think that’s awesome and cool that just really sucks and makes trans people feel more afraid to just be who they are. So I think it’s really important because there definitely needs to be more trans visibility in general and also just to show your local trans people support.”
Swampscott is no stranger to supporting queer communities, particularly transgender individuals, through resources like the high school’s GSA club, which was founded and is advised by school nurse Megan Ramirez.
“I think a lot of people realize that rights aren’t equal. I think a lot of people see minorities trying to get more rights rather than them trying to be seen as people,” said an anonymous student. “I think it’s an important reminder that we’re still just working towards a better world that promises more rights for everyone.”
Many Swampscott residents are also involved with the North Shore Alliance for GLBTQ+ Youth (NAGLY), an LGBTQ+ nonprofit based in Salem that hosts events supporting trans youth and activism.
“Transgender Day of Visibility is a way to give trans people that space to come out and support one another as well as remember the trans lives that have been lost over decades and decades and even to this day,” said transgender sophomore Leo Blessman, who is the vice president of GSA and a volunteer at NAGLY. “Especially in these harsh political times it is very crucial and important to give trans people that platform and to make them feel supported and welcome. If you know someone that is trans just support them with every inch of yourself because they are being extremely targeted right now, and one supportive person can change their lives for the better.”
