Kicking off Trans Month with Son Vivienne

In recent history, trans and gender diverse (TGD) folks had just two dedicated days throughout the year: a day of visibility in March and a day of mourning in November. Trans Day of Remembrance – observed on November 20 – honours the memory of TGD individuals who have lost their lives to acts of transphobia or discrimination. These moments remind us how much further we must go to achieve a safer and more just world. But although the memories of those who have passed away must live on in our memory, focusing on violence and trauma can be challenging for the communities that are most affected.

Many people now also observe Trans Awareness Week and, more recently, Trans Month in November. These periods serve to celebrate trans and gender diverse pride, champion trans allyship, and give TGD folks a necessary reprieve from grief and fear.

Son tells us that, like Trans Awareness Week, Trans Month came about to foster connection, health, and wellbeing during a difficult time. "So often in trans community, I think we unify around the fact that we're stigmatised. So, for us, Trans Month was really around focusing on celebration, euphoria, and empowerment beyond that stigma," Son says.

Their hope is that Trans Month allows TGD folks to see themselves reflected in other members of the communities who prioritise wellbeing and advocacy – though Son notes that these don't have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, Transgender Victoria has arranged a balanced calendar of events, giving trans folks opportunities as many opportunities to practise self-care as advocacy.

What's on During Trans Month?

Trans Month kicked off with the Gender Reveal Gala, a night marked by joy and euphoria. "There were people getting glammed up and being their best selves in a space where they don't have to be so mindful of safety," Son says.

About 350 people attended the event, with trans folks and allies alike joining together to create a safe space for authentic expression. Members of Dykes on Bikes and the Rainbow Community Angels – a community-led safety initiative – stood at the entrance to welcome and protect attendees.

Son recalls going to a TGD gathering six years ago with 70 attendees. They remember being in awe at the diversity within the community, even in a much smaller, more casual crowd. At nearly five times the size, the Gender Reveal Gala audience blew them away.

Following the glitz and glamour of the gala, Transgender Victoria hosted the Trans Parent Morning Tea at the Victorian Pride Centre, where families enjoyed connecting with one another and attending drag story time. As a non-binary, trans-masc, gender-queer parent of two, Son wanted this to be a unique space where both TGD parents and parents of trans children could join and share encouragement. "It's really important for parents of younger trans kids to understand that there's a future beyond what they may conceive as limited options," Son says.

Throughout the rest of the month, Transgender Victoria will host events in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Some will be celebratory and full of energy, like the debut of the kiki House of Furia for an audience of queer and trans people of colour. Others will be more sombre, like the Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil. There will even be some practical workshops where TGD folks can learn about accessing trans healthcare, changing their IDs, and even finding the right bra or binder.

To learn more about Trans Month events, head here.