Post by Kim, Anne and Valerie, Information Services staff
March 31st is International Transgender Day of Visibility. This annual awareness day was created to highlight the accomplishments of transgender and gender nonconforming people. We are dedicating the entire month of April to help raise awareness to these accomplishments while also addressing the work that needs to continue around transgender rights.
Find inspiration and information about transgender individuals in our galleries below as well as some fiction featuring transgender characters. Check out local organizations and support at the bottom of the page.
In recent years, we have seen more talented openly trans musicians making waves across multiple music genres! Transgender artists have existed for years however, many without the safety of being able to be open about their identity. We’ve put together a playlist celebrating a variety of trans artists to experience not only this month, but all year long!
True Individuals
Real stories from real people! We have it all here: from the first Olympic transgender weightlifter, to personal transgender stories, to transgender actors. Enjoy learning from the true individuals highlighted.
- “I would love to be able to get out in the world feeling confident” says Laila | Press Reader
- Michaela wins a Golden Globe | Press Reader
- Wren Kauffman: Being a Transgender Boy | Curio
- Shushant Divgikr Calls Out “Selective Progression” of Bollywood | Press Reader
- Transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard makes history with her presence | Canadian Newsstream
- Little Miss Westie: Ren and Luca | Biblio+
- LEVI: Becoming Himself | Curio
- Man Made: Rese, Mason, Kennie, Dominic | Biblio+
- Just Call Me Kade | Kanopy
- Me, Myself, They by Joshua M. Ferguson | Hoopla
Exploring Gender Identity
Gender identity is how a person sees themselves. If you’re curious about exploring some of the personal and societal issues of this topic then take a look at the following entries!
- Have You Had the Surgery? | Curio
- The Beauty of Transgender Experiences | National Film Board
- My Transgender Life | Kanopy
- The Natural Mother of the Child | Download Library
- Third Gender | Press Reader
- Gender Identity is Not Up For Debate | Press Reader
- For They Know Not What They Do | Kanopy
- Understanding Gender: Identity, Biology & Identity | Summa
- Gender-Affirming Health Care is Essential | Press Reader
Celebrating Trans Stories
Check out this selection of stories centered on trans people as they make friends, fall in love and find community.
- The Danish Girl | Download Library
- Boy Meets Girl | Kanopy
- This is How it Always is | Download Library
- Tangerine | Kanopy
- Detransition Baby | Download Library
- Frankissstein: A Love Story | Download Library
- May The Best Man Win | Download Library
- A Kind of Justice | Download Library
More to Explore
QueerKPL
QueerKPL is a group within KPL which focuses on creating 2SLGBTQIA+ programs, resources and booklists throughout the entire year. You can find out more about QueerKPL here on our blog.
Spectrum
Spectrum provides a variety of services to folks in the Waterloo region identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ including support groups, education resources, and events. Check out their Transgender Services here.
OK2BME
OK2BME is operated by KW Counselling Services and offers free support services to kids, youth and families identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ as well as education resources. Here is a link to a helpful page about trans resources they provide.
Gender Variant Working Group & ACCKWA
The Gender Variant Working Group (GVWG) provides education and awareness about gender variance and trans identity with support from the AIDS Committee of Cambridge Kitchener Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA). Most recently they have been running the Gender Affirming Project with free sizing sessions with binders.
ACCKWA also has a variety of 2SLGBTQIA+ resources including this great guide for trans youth.
Have questions? Want more recommendations?
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