Global Justice Institute Observes Transgender Day of Visibility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 31st, 2026

Observed annually on March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) was founded in 2010 by Rachel Crandall to shift the media narrative from trans victimization to celebration. While honoring the contributions of transgender individuals, the day also highlights the systemic poverty, discrimination, and violence the community continues to face.

According GLAAD, the world's larger LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, the necessity for TDOV is underscored by the fact that most Americans believe that they do not personally know a transgender person, making media representation their primary source of information. Historically, these depictions have been rooted in harmful stereotypes. Recently, the lack of authentic representation coincides with a surge in political hostility. The ACLU has tracked over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures, and the American Medical Association continues to classify the violence against the community—which disproportionately impacts Black trans women—as an ongoing epidemic.

A significant barrier to progress is the exclusion of trans voices in news media. A prominent newspaper is said to have excluded transgender perspectives from 60% of its stories about anti-trans legislation.

By treating human rights issues as merely part of “the culture wars," media outlets can seem to validate misinformation.

Despite these legislative assaults on transgender people, data suggests that acceptance rises significantly with personal familiarity and exposure to authentic storytelling. Accurate representation remains a vital tool for humanizing the trans experience and counteracting targeted discrimination.

The Global Justice Institute's Council of Bishops affirms the dignity and sacred value of the Transgender and Nonbinary children of God and we bless them and all who love them. We long for the day when Justice-Love prevails, when diversity is universally valued as a divine gift, and when all people of faith dare to see "that of God" in every individual.

In faithful solidarity,

Global Justice Institute Council of Bishops
Presiding Bishop Pat Bumgardner
Auxiliary Bishop Jim Merritt
Auxiliary Bishop Robert Griffin
Auxiliary Bishop Durrell Watkins