Here's Where We Stand: Statement for International Transgender Day of Visibility 2026

But visibility has never come without risk. At a time when the rights of trans people are under unprecedented attack — from legislative rollbacks restricting our rights to health care and self-determination to hate-driven violence and disinformation campaigns — visibility can mean stepping into the crosshairs. Around the world, trans people are facing renewed hostility simply for living openly and authentically. Across continents, trans people who dare to show up at work, at school, in parliament, or at pride marches are met with doxxing, death threats, coordinated hate, and even the threat of arrest, simply for existing in public.

This stark reality reminds us that celebration must always come with a call to action.

• To our partners across the United Nations system and in multilateral institutions: Advance policies and norms that contribute to trans people’s thriving, respecting our rights and including us in all aspects of development.
• To national and local governments: No matter how many politicians seek to deny our existence, we exist and are part of your electorates. Ensure that laws and policies reflect our needs and lived realities.
• To donors and supporters: Your continued partnership uplifting trans people’s rights and inclusion in every sector is essential to advancing our collective mission of global equality, now more than ever.
• To the wider public: Let visibility spark empathy, understanding, and meaningful change.

This International Transgender Day Of Visibility, we celebrate those who dare to be seen, while also acknowledging those who cannot safely do so. True visibility is not just about being “out”; it's about being valued, protected, and empowered. When trans people are visible without safety or justice, visibility itself can become another burden. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that visibility becomes not a burden, but a true pathway to freedom.