Trans privileges are human right: Hawaiʻi enjoys TDoV

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Each year, the nation gathers to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) on March 31.

This is a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements and contributions of transgender and gender nonconforming people who have been brave enough to embrace themselves even when society’s adherence to artificial social constructs push back… hard.

It is also a time to raise awareness of the challenges transgender people continue to face.

This day is distinct from the Transgender Day of Remembrance which memorializes victims of transphobic violence. TDoV emphasizes the positive and focuses on living members of the transgender community.

As we navigate political messages and agendas that seek to stifle self-expression, it is crucial to distinguish between sex and gender.

Sex refers to the biological attributes and characteristics such as chromosomes, hormone levels and reproductive/sexual anatomy. This assigns our sex to male, female or intersex at birth.

Gender, on the other hand, is a complex interplay of roles, expressions, identities and attributes that a society considers appropriate for men, women, and gender-diverse people.

It is an individual’s personal sense of who they are and how they interpret the world we live in. Oftentimes, even if someone does not identify as transgender, may not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth.

For TDoV 2024, Mayor Rick Blangiardi led the city in participating in the global recognition of TDoV.

The Honolulu Hale was illuminated in the color pink at sunset on Thursday, March 28 through sunrise on Friday, March 29.

This is a symbol of support, acceptance and celebration of the transgender community’s resilience, achievements and contributions to Hawaii’s history, culture and society.

“We are honored to stand in solidarity with the transgender community on this significant day,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “By illuminating Honolulu Hale pink, we demonstrate our commitment to creating a city where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Transgender individuals deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Blangiardi explained further.

“The decision to light City Hall in pink aligns with the administration’s ongoing efforts to promote equality, diversity and inclusion,” said the spokesperson. “It sends a powerful message of acceptance and support to transgender individuals, their families, and allies across the city and beyond.”