Stealth is over?

Trans people and their needs have been neglected for quite a long time. The situation has become especially endangering with the new initiatives brought to the table by current administration. Those may potentially erase trans people from social life and deprive them from some basic rights. At some point it has become obvious that the time to act is already overdue and urgent measures are needed from the entire community. It is actually not only about pride but also about the right of being yourself and maintaining self-identity.

The move went viral last Saturday when several thousands of transgender and gender nonconfirming people marched in Washington D.C. The first ever National Transgender Visibility March went along Pennsylvania Avenue NW and finished only four blocks from the Capitol. This action should undoubtedly become a tradition praising trans people and encouraging them in a harsh struggle for equal rights. The urgent goal is, however, different. That is to ensure the community visibility, to make its voice heard.

To support the participants the mayor has declared September 28 the Trans Visibility Day. That is a great example of how the authorities should care about ALL Americans regardless of their self-identification. Several LGBTQ celebrities and supporters were also in attendance. Those included Angelica Ross, the transgender actress from “ American Horror Story” and “Pose” who spoke about importance of diversity and inclusion. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C. Congressional Delegate) and Sheila Alexander-Reid (Mayor Office of LGBTQ Affairs) were also there to support the event. Trans people should not go stealth anymore. Washington D.C. has given an ultimate example for the entire country.