It’s Transgender Day of Visibility. Tacoma will celebrate it in historic fashion | Opinion

In a time when it is especially dangerous to be a transgender person in America, visibility matters.

This is why it’s so important to stand together on March 31 as the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility.

Transgender Day of Visibility was born out of trans people daring to proclaim joy. In defiance of all the barriers they face, they have the audacity to thrive in the face of hate and bigotry. The contributions of trans people are endless and seen here in our city’s rich diversity, economic vitality and quality of life. Trans joy is worthy of celebration.

Transgender Day of Visibility is also an occasion to draw attention to the poverty, discrimination and violence the community faces. It is most unsafe to be a black transgender person, transgender person of color or transgender immigrant. Many trans people hold multiple identities, furthering their risks and impacts.

While we join together to celebrate, it is equally vital that we steadfastly enforce anti-discrimination laws and advance equity in all we do. I am thankful to live where state and local leaders pass laws to protect access to health care facilities and gender affirming care and prohibit sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination.

Given that a minority of Americans say they personally know someone who’s transgender, a majority of the public learns about trans people from the media. This allows the tenor of national discussions to shape public perception of our transgender neighbors. In 2025, much of the media coverage has focused on federal actions that target transgender individuals and anti-trans bills that continue to be introduced across the country. According to the 2025 anti-trans bills tracker, 806 pieces of legislation have been introduced across the country seeking to block trans people from receiving basic healthcare, education, legal recognition and the right to publicly exist.

The attacks on trans individuals directly threaten their safety, erode their sense of security, and have a particularly harsh impact on youth. Nearly one in five people who identify as transgender are ages 13-17. Youth are feeling vulnerable, unsafe, and under-resourced.

Tacoma must continue to stand strong in support of our transgender residents. In a historic first, this year, the city raised the Trans Pride flag above the Tacoma Dome, where it can make our support of trans rights visible to our entire region. Our work to make visible the intrinsic value of transgender individuals provides a little bit of hope and helps inoculate the community from some of the fear intentionally being created across the country.

What we need now is everyone in Tacoma, Washington state and the United States to stand together and be visible in their support of our trans family and neighbors. March 31 is a moment for us to pause to honor and celebrate the tremendous value they bring to our community and society. This is an opportunity to speak in one voice to say we see you, we affirm you, and there is a community standing in support of you.