International Transgender Day of Visibility

Today we mark the International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to celebrate the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere by elevating voices and experiences from these communities. 

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre values human rights, fairness and dignity. In our work we have stood by people seeking asylum and refugees who have been persecuted in their countries of origin because of the gender they identify with or their sexual orientation. We recognise that now more than ever we need to express solidarity, stand with trans and non-binary people, and show that they are included and welcome.  

In 2025, there is, sadly, more cause for concern than celebration, as reactionary and hateful voices across the globe continue to get louder, emboldened by the policies of the current US administration. We recognise many people are frightened but we also know the community is strong and resilient in the face of discrimination. 

Last Friday, Equality Australia issued a United States Travel Alert, in the light of recent travel advisories by a number of countries, such as Denmark, Finland, France and Germany, warning of serious risk to anyone travelling to the US and holding a passport with a gender X marker, identity documents with gender markers different to those assigned at birth or that do not match their gender expression, or have a track record of LGBTIQ+ activism or other political activity. 

Key risks relating to admission to the US at present include denial of entry, mistreatment (including deliberate misgendering, targeted questioning, humiliating treatment, accessing private information including political views, and invasive searches of trans travellers), and arbitrary detention with limited legal recourse.

Equal rights gains we have made since the 2017 historic marriage equality vote in Australia are once again under threat, and we must remain vigilant and refuse to turn back the clock. 

For more information head to Equality Australia website.