Iowa City Today

Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague has declared March 31, 2023, Transgender Day of Visibility. There is no doubt that the transgender community continues to face discrimination here in Iowa and worldwide. Be it in the workplace, schools, or society, there is immense harassment and inequality.

Rachel Crandall, a transgender activist, founded this day in 2009 to raise awareness of the incredible burden of discrimination the community faces in every setting imaginable. The need to bring a day of ‘visibility’ for the transgender community is indicative of the oppression they face in many sectors of life. Crandall wanted to highlight the fact that the only transgender-centric day that is internationally recognized is Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is in mourning of members of the community who lost their lives, and that there was no day to pay homage to living transgender people. On Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, we recognize and revere their contributions, successes, and relentless resilience in standing tall and strong in the face of injustice.

Mayor Teague made the proclamation at the Iowa City City Council's March 21 meeting and it was accepted by Luck Markstone and Harry Winter Epstine. The Transgender flag will be flown at City Hall from March 27- March 31 in recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility. 

Trans Day of Visibility Education 2023

Join One Iowa in a virtual session on issues facing the Trans and Nonbinary community as we recognize Transgender Day of Visibility. The session, noon to 1 p.m., Friday, March 31, will include information on Trans and Nonbinary identities, the causes of violence against the Trans community, and ways to take action for Trans lives.

Original source can be found here.