Borderland Rainbow Center CELEBRATES Transgender Day of Visibility

By Izzy Mora

A warm afternoon at the Borderland Rainbow Center (BRC) brought together around 30
members of the transgender community, along with their families, friends, volunteers, and
staff, to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This annual event is a time to
honor trans joy, resilience, and accomplishments while raising awareness about the
challenges the community continues to face.
A Celebration of Identity and Advocacy
Held at The Center—rather than its usual city park venue due to increasing anti-trans
rhetoric—this year’s event was designed as both a celebration and a form of resistance.
Activities included:
• Clothing Swap – Providing gender-a􀆯irming clothing to attendees.
• Protest as an Artform – A collaborative quilting project with @Transtexas.
• Poster Making Station – Creating signs for future protests and marches.
• Postcard Writing Station – Sending messages to Texas legislators, advocating for
trans rights.
• Eyelash Station – Drag Story Hour queens gave attendees a glamorous
transformation.
• Sip & Sashay – A fun cakewalk-style game with prizes, including Starbucks cups
from a generous donor.
• Face Painting & Nacho Bar – Free face painting by SapphicYarn and a delicious
meal provided by The Center’s Pantry Crew.
The Importance of Visibility
Each year on March 31, the world recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility to uplift trans
people and acknowledge the disproportionate struggles they face—poverty,
discrimination, and violence—compared to cisgender individuals. Created in 2010 by trans
advocate Rachel Crandall, TDOV was meant to counteract the media’s focus on violence
against trans people by celebrating their lives and contributions.
Yet, representation remains a challenge. Many Americans say they don’t personally know a
trans person, meaning much of their understanding is shaped by media portrayals—which
have historically been inaccurate, misleading, and harmful, as highlighted in the Netflix
documentary Disclosure. Major media outlets, including The New York Times, have failed
to include trans voices in their coverage, with 60% of its articles on anti-trans legislation
lacking trans perspectives, according to Media Matters. This exclusion fuels
misinformation and dehumanization.
Rising Challenges, Growing Resistance
The current political climate has intensified hostility toward trans people. In 2025 alone,
over 450 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across the U.S., according to the ACLU.
Additionally, violence against trans individuals—especially Black trans women—remains
an epidemic, as declared by the American Medical Association since 2019.
However, exposure and representation continue to foster growing acceptance. Authentic
and diverse trans stories matter—not just in the fight against misinformation, but in
building a society that values and protects all identities. Events like TDOV and community
gatherings at places like The Borderland Rainbow Center remind us that trans joy is
resistance, and that visibility is both a celebration and a necessity.