Why Trans Awareness Week Matters: Reflections on Progress, Visibility, and Inclusion

Why highlighting the experiences of trans+ people is important for change.

By Marianne Oakes, Lead Counsellor, Anne Health

People who are transgender, non-binary, or consider themselves not cis, make up around 1% or potentially less of the world's population. We are a small minority, but we do exist. Trans Awareness Week gives us the opportunity to talk about our experiences and give others some insight into what it is to be trans. 

As a transgender woman, I am aware that the world I live in isn’t really built for me, despite having needs, the same as everyone else in the room. When I go shopping or to a restaurant, I know that my presence in these establishments was never really considered. That if there was a thought for my needs, it was an after-thought, a ‘compromise’ if you like.

Some might ask what needs are not met, and I may struggle in the moment to answer this. Mainly because I sit there quiet and obedient, not wishing to make other people feel awkward by knowing I’m there.

Trans Awareness Week gives me the opportunity and space to speak out.

It is a week where I get to make my voice heard and make others aware of some of the obstacles that trans people face.

I find comfort in the fact there is a week that is dedicated to bringing trans people into the consciousness of a society that is, in the main, either ambivalent to trans people or, as in a very vocal minority, wish we didn’t exist.  

Trans Awareness Week also represents a week where organisations will once again show solidarity with my community, and demonstrate that they see us and that they care about our needs. 

While this can be seen as ‘performative’, I’ll take this win. I am old enough and wise enough to know, this is the path we have to tread to move society forward to a time where I can walk freely and without fear, because in building awareness, people will know I exist without me having to remind them. 

Trans Awareness Week is also a time where I personally stop to reflect on the world I was born into.

Where homosexuality was illegal and even the Irish were seen as less than deserving not to mention rampant racism and homophobia. There are still many battles and changes society is having to manage, from disabled access to equal rights for people of colour and particularly women, but with greater awareness things are changing.

I have seen society become more inclusive and accepting of diversity. I saw my parents' attitudes change from protesting a Chinese Take Away opening in my home town in the 1960s, to them protesting the closure of the same take away in 2017. I believe this change happens because of greater visibility and awareness, because people are brave enough to stand up and be counted, many far braver than me. 

Trans Awareness Week is just another step in the right direction.

Even if we may currently feel there is no hope, I’ve seen the progress, and I still believe the future is bright—because I have to. But there’s more work to be done. 

While we may make up just 1% of society, trans people do matter and we do count. We just need to keep speaking up to ensure our voices are heard, so that others have greater awareness about trans lives.