Monday marks the annual Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), which honors transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive people while drawing attention to the high levels of poverty, discrimination and violence the community faces globally.

This year’s TDOV follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders that restrict the rights of transgender Americans – impacting their ability to serve in the military, participate in school sports and obtain government documentation, including passports that reflect their gender identity.

Rachel Crandall Crocker, a psychologist and executive director of the nonprofit group Transgender Michigan, created this initiative in 2010. She expressed her amazement at the level of participation the day received in an interview with National Public Radio last year: “I wasn’t expecting to start an international movement.”

Here’s what to know about Trans Visibility Day and trans people who have made history.

Actors, models and other trans people who continue to make history

While transgender and nonbinary individuals have been the targets of political attacks, there have also been moments of celebration, particularly among celebrities, politicians and performers.

A snapshot of trans people who recently made history include:

• Laverne Cox in 2014 became the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in an acting category. She was nominated for her role as Sophia Burset in “Orange Is the New Black.”
• Elliot Page in 2021 became the first trans man to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
• Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, or MJ Rodriguez
• , has a series of firsts. In January 2022, she became the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe, for her role as Blanca Evangelista in FX’s “Pose.” She is also the first trans woman to earn an Emmy nomination in a lead or supporting acting category, and the first openly trans woman to win best actress in television at the NAACP Image Awards.
• Lia Thomas in March 2022 was the first trans woman to win an NCAA swimming championship.
• Kim Petras won a Grammy Award in February 2023 for her performance in Sam Smith’s “Unholy” music video. Petras is the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy in the best pop duo/group performance category.
• Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Delaware, in November 2024 was the first transgender person elected to Congress.
• Alex Consani in 2024 was the first trans woman to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards.
• Gottmik in 2021 was the first trans man to compete on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

What’s the purpose of Trans Visibility Day?

A representative from the national advocacy group The Trevor Project told USA TODAY that while the day aims to support the community, many transgender people have safety concerns, and visibility should not be forced upon anyone.

“This day should also remind people that ‘visible’ does not mean ‘equal,’” explained Nova Bright, head of internal training, learning and development at The Trevor Project. “We must continue working toward a country full of people that understands transgender people are our neighbors, our family members, and our friends; trans people want to simply be able to go about their daily lives, just like anyone else.”

The national crisis lifeline for LGBTQ+ young people reminds trans individuals that it’s OK to celebrate acts of visibility, whether they are large or small, including:

• The feeling that comes with taking your first hormone dose.
• Being called your chosen name by someone who loves you.
• Finding language to describe your identity.
• Feeling euphoric in a piece of gender-affirming clothing.
• Looking in the mirror and loving who you see looking back at you.

“As we honor Transgender Day of Visibility, one thing remains abundantly clear: Trans people are here, trans people have always been here, and they are not going anywhere,” Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said. “To all trans young people, I want you to know: You are never alone.”

Contributing: Kinsey Crowley, Asha C. Gilbert, Julia Gomez, Sara M. Moniuszko, David Oliver, Edward Segarra, and Xerxes Wilson

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [email protected]