Honoring Trans Lives: A Sex Therapist’s Reflections on Visibility
By: Dr. Denise Renye
March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility. It’s a time to celebrate trans joy, resilience, and achievements while also recognizing the urgent need for action. As previously mentioned, the trans community is under attack. According to the anti-trans bill tracker, there are 736 active trans bills in the States. For instance, in Maryland, a house bill proposes life imprisonment for any healthcare practitioner who offers gender-affirming care to a minor. There are also federal bills that propose doing the same. This is on top of the slew of executive orders from the Trump Administration that target the trans community.
Despite representing only about 1% of the U.S. adult population, the trans community is being targeted over and over again by politicians, which makes community support all the more crucial. On Sunday night, I attended a powerful event at The Green Room in San Francisco, where the community gathered to uplift trans voices through music, food, and well-deserved awards.
Activists like Mar Omega Williams helped organize the event. CBS News reported Williams transitioned just four years ago and it changed her life. "It was just like the most freeing thing because before I used to disassociate just to get through every day and that's not healthy at all," she said. Williams grew up in Vacaville, CA, where they recall a lack of trans representation. Moving to San Francisco and creating music helped give her the confidence to find herself. "To be a part of that is really soul nourishing and I can't believe that it's real, and it is real because we're out here together and you just need to find each other," Williams said. Having a supportive community is essential for self-discovery and belonging.
She reminded attendees that trans visibility is not just about being seen—it’s about building a future where all trans people are safe, supported, and able to thrive. She spoke with bold optimism about changing the world, a reminder that advocacy must go beyond one day of recognition. The event was a beautiful celebration, but it was also a call to action.
Now, more than ever, we must protect trans lives as they face increasing attacks from harmful policies and rhetoric. As a psychologist and online sex therapist, I know visibility alone is not enough—mental health and well-being must be prioritized. This means ensuring access to gender-affirming care, creating safe spaces for trans individuals to exist and be celebrated, and challenging the stigma that leads to disproportionate rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in the trans community. And it is disproportional.
NPR reported in September 2024 that suicide rates jumped in states after they passed anti-transgender laws aimed at minors. Suicide attempts by transgender and gender nonconforming teenagers increased by as much as 72% in those states. It takes all of us to turn trans visibility from a risk into a right.
If you’re wondering how to help, start by supporting trans-led organizations, advocating for policies that protect trans rights, and amplifying trans voices in your own circles. For more ideas, check out this link. It includes everything from contacting your representative to creating mutual aid funds. And if you would like mental health support, reach out to me for an appointment. I’m not trans but I can offer you a safe and supportive space to be yourself. And if you are seeking a referral for a trans therapist, I am happy to provide that as well.
Journal Prompts:
For Trans and Nonbinary Individuals:
How has visibility (or lack thereof) impacted your journey of self-discovery? What does being seen mean to you?
Reflect on a time when you felt truly seen and supported in your identity. What made that experience meaningful?
In what ways have you grown in confidence and self-acceptance? What advice would you give to your younger self (or someone earlier in their process if accessing your younger self feels challenging) about being visible?
For Allies:
How have you shown up as an ally for trans and nonbinary people? What is one concrete step you can take to deepen your allyship?
Reflect on something new you've learned about transgender experiences. How has it shifted your perspective or challenged any assumptions?
How can you help create more visibility and representation for trans people in your community, workplace, or personal life?