Rachel Crandall-Crocker, executive director and co-founder of the nonprofit Transgender Michigan, created International Transgender Day of Visibility in 2010. Each March 31, TDOV acknowledges trans and gender nonconforming individuals’ authenticity, societal contributions, diversity, resilience and, simply, their lives.
“Visibility is important. Without visibility it becomes easier for people to deny our humanity and, subsequently, deny us our rights. At a time when trans people are under attack across this country, trans kids are being bullied and denied access to basic dignity as well as health care, and violence against trans people is on the rise, celebrating trans visibility, our right to be seen and heard and the many roles we hold in society, is even more important,” said Honey Mahogany, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee.
Mahogany co-founded San Francisco’s Transgender District with Janetta Johnson and Aria Sa’id and was its first executive director; she’s also the first trans chairperson of the DCCC.
The trans community and allies are observing TDOV 2024 in the Bay Area in events including:
On March 27, the Oakland LGBTQ Center hosts “Trans Joy” from 6 to 9 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features a live DJ, drag artists Bionka Simone and K’Aliyah, community resource representatives and a complimentary dinner. The sold-out event is at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland.
On March 30, the Mill Valley Public Library’s Trans Day of Visibility Open Mic & Author Talk features Mason Deaver, the nonbinary author of young adult novels, such as “I Wish You All the Best,” centering on trans characters. In addition to Deaver’s reading and discussion, writers and speakers will be allotted three minutes during an open mic. Performers need to sign up in advance. The event is from 3 to 5 p.m. in the library’s Creekside Room, 375 Throckmorton Ave. To register, go to https://millvalleylibrary.libcal.com/.
On March 30, the Exploratorium hosts Trans Day of Visibility. “In Our Own Words” features readings from Bay Area poets Lia Li-Nguyen, Dena Rod, Kim Shuck and Marcus de Maria Arana at 2 p.m. At 1 and 3 p.m., Black trans musician Tory Teasley with her band, Tory and the Teasers, appear. Hands-on, identity-focused activities include “Custom Pronoun Button Making” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The “Gender Euphoria Wall” is open from noon to 4 p.m. for photo opportunities; guests can add their pictures to the self-love-focused wall display. Facilitators will be on hand to assist with both activities. The Exploratorium is on the Embarcadero at Green Street in San Francisco. Tickets are $39.95 general; $29.95 for ages 4-17, teachers, students, seniors and disabled. For tickets, visit, exploratorium.edu.
AsiaSF, the longstanding South of Market dining spot with enthralling transgender “Ladies of AsiaSF” performers, will not close on March 31. AsiaSF founder and CEO Larry Hashbarger received so many reservations after announcing the eatery would close, he has extended through April 28, according to publicist David Perry. While it seemed fitting to end the establishment’s 26-year run of being a safe space for the trans community on TDOV, the extension gives more guests the opportunity to enjoy a three-course meal and take in the unapologetically trans-centering show. “One of our missions of AsiaSF has always been to create a trans-positive environment that educates and raises awareness about living your truth and being your authentic self, while at the same time providing our guests with a ‘time of your life’ experience,” said Hashbarger. To book a reservation at AsiaSF, 201 Ninth St., San Francisco, go to https://sf.asiasf.com.
San Francisco’s official Trans Day of Visibility celebration is March 31 at the Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event includes brunch, performances by Mason J, Lotus Boy, Tory Teasley and others, a “T-Dance” and community vendors and resources. Doors open at 11 a.m., seating is at noon, the show is at 1 p.m. and dancing follows from 2 to 4 p.m. The TDOV Committee— San Francisco transgender, gender nonconforming, intersex and two-spirit (TGNCI2S) community leaders, activists and organizations—emphasize the significance of trans visibility and representation to counter discrimination, violence and the prevalence of anti-trans legislation. “The TGNCI2S community has always been a part of our rich and diverse history and culture. Just as much as our community has always persevered and excelled in the past, we will continue to do so, even amidst a political climate that attempts to erase us. Trans people are the future, and trans joy is resistance,” said Asri Wulandari, manager of communications of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives.
Or, to celebrate TDOV outdoors, find a grassy spot in Dolores Park or Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, or on the perimeter of Oakland’s Lake Merritt and do some reading. Check out “Gender Euphoria: Stories of Joy from Trans, Non-binary and Intersex Writers” edited by Laura Kate Dale; “Trans History: The Roots of Today’s Revolution” by Susan Stryker or “Trans Like Me: Conversations for All of Us” by CN Lester.
Notable documentaries showcase the trans community: “Disclosure” (Netflix) explores trans representation in film and television; “Transhood” (HBO) is about trans youth and their families; and “The Trans List” (HBO) focuses on the lives and experiences of trans individuals.
Also on Netflix: “Gender Agenda,” a standup special with queer, nonbinary and trans comedians hosted by genderqueer Hannah Gadsby (“Douglas”; “Nannette”).
As Niko Storment, SF TDOV committee member and Rosen Creative House CEO, said in a press release, “Trans people have always been here, we are here now, and there are trans people in the future who need us. We should be able to see ourselves in media and culture as the beautiful beings we are[.]”