Transgender Awareness Week 2024
From 13 to 19 November, Transgender Awareness Week is an important time for people and organisations worldwide to raise awareness about the experiences of transgender people. As anti-trans narratives continue to be pushed in both media and politics, Transgender Awareness Week becomes an essential moment to shine a light on the voices and stories of the transgender community.
What is Transgender Awareness Week?
Transgender Awareness Week is a one week celebration that aims to increase visibility and understanding of the transgender community. The week is centred around education, advocacy, highlighting personal experiences of transgender and non-binary people as well as others that fall under the ever-evolving Trans Umbrella. It is an opportunity to address the issues transgender people face, such as prejudice, discrimination, and violence, while also celebrating the resilience and contributions made by the community.
Transgender Awareness Week is held annually in the week leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, which takes place on 20 November. TDOR is a solemn occasion that honours trans people whose lives have been lost due to anti-transgender violence. The observance provides a space for the community to reflect on the violence and discrimination faced by the trans community, but also serves as a rallying point to demand justice and greater protection for the community.
What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Transgender Day of Remembrance was established to remember Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was tragically murdered in 1998. The vigil marked the one-year anniversary of Hester’s death, as well as the deaths of other transgender individuals lost to violence.
Over time, TDOR has become a global phenomenon, bringing together the transgender community - as well as allies - to honour those who have been victims of anti-transgender violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance allows for a moment of grief as well as a call to action, emphasising the need for improved healthcare, protection and greater social acceptance of transgender people.
How Many People in the UK Identify as Transgender?
Census data from 2021 stated that over 260,000 individuals aged 16 and over in England and Wales identified as transgender. However, a review by the Office for National Statistics this year has raised concerns that this number might be inflated due to language barriers and misunderstandings of the census question on gender identity.
The ONS has since downgraded the transgender population figures to “official statistics in development” to reflect the potential inaccuracies. Despite this, the figures still underscore the growing recognition of transgender identities in the UK.
What Does it Mean to Transition?
For many transgender people, transitioning is an important part of aligning their gender identity with their physical appearance and legal status. Transitioning can involve a variety of changes, from adopting a new name and pronouns to medical interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery.
Some may also apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate under the UK’s Gender Recognition Act 2004. This legal document allows a person’s gender to be officially recognised on birth, marriage, and death certificates. However, this process can be lengthy and often requires a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and other criteria.
Yet it is important to note that transitioning can mean different things for different people, and the most important aspect is the ability to live authentically. The process of transitioning is deeply personal and not all transgender people want to pursue medical or legal changes.
What Services Are Available For Young Trans People?
Following the closure of the Gender Identity and Development Service in 2024, new services are being developed to support transgender young people. The NHS’s new Children and Young People's Gender Service aims to improve care and is expected to expand its services in 2025.
NHS England also aims to help reduce waiting times for these services. According to a Freedom of Information request by PA Media, the average wait for the 5,700 under-18s on the specialist gender care waiting list is 100 weeks. Additionally, NHS England announced that trials to assess the effects of puberty blockers are set to begin in 2025.
How to Be an Ally to the Transgender Community
To better support the transgender community, you can:
Educate yourself on trans terminology.
Learn about the challenges faced by the trans community.
Share and amplify trans people's stories and experiences.
Stand in solidarity to foster positive change and inclusivity.
How Can I Support Transgender Awareness Week?
Join Sparkle's Webinars and Q&A Events: Sparkle, the National Transgender Charity, is a grassroots organisation supporting trans, non-binary, and gender-variant people in the UK. Run entirely by volunteers, Sparkle offers engaging webinars and Q&A events that help bring people together.
Attend the Trans Family Funday at The Proud Place (Sunday, 11 November): Enjoy a day of arts and crafts, children’s entertainment, and a scavenger hunt at the Trans Family Funday. The Proud Place is fully wheelchair accessible and offers gender-neutral toilets, including an accessible option.
Volunteer at the Manchester Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil: Honour trans lives lost at the annual vigil on Wednesday, 20th November 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Sackville Gardens. The vigil will offer a comforting space for reflection and solidarity.
