Publish date: 31 March 2023
Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day for all trans and non-binary people to celebrate. Nikki Baxter, Senior Nurse Practitioner, Halton LLAMS, shares what this day means to her.
A day for all trans and non-binary people to celebrate, and to let everyone know that we’re here, we’re not going anywhere and that we matter. All we ask from anyone who isn’t trans - please be respectful, some of us suffer ridicule, insults, aggression and violence JUST because we exist - no one deserves that. Really it’s not too much to ask, but no doubt some folk will accuse trans people like myself of ‘kicking up a fuss’ or ‘seeking attention’ - well yes – but with good reason.
Instead of keeping our heads down... avoiding eye contact... living in fear of the toxic words and actions of others we NEED at least one day to be proud of who we are - we exist, we are valid and we deserve not only respect but acknowledgement too.
The media STILL attacks us regularly, Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists refuse to acknowledge that trans women are WOMEN and trans men are MEN - their bigoted view is that trans women are ‘still men’ and even more ridiculously trans men are ‘confused lesbians’ - an assumption to sexuality there also.
My own experience is that I’ve seen more good than bad where trans people are concerned - sadly, not every trans person has had this - I know SO many wonderful people who TOTALLY get it. Mersey Care have been absolutely wonderful in supporting me – I can honestly say that I have not faced ANY issues regarding transphobia from any trust members which is phenomenal. I also work with a truly amazing team (Halton Later Life & Memory Services) and we truly are like a family – I have NEVER experienced anything to these extent elsewhere.
I’m not ignorant to the views of everyone elsewhere though and I know I’ll encounter bigotry throughout my life - but for now it’s minimal generally, and, thanks to the supportive people in this trust I’m getting to live my true authentic life.
A massive THANK YOU to you all. I’m certainly celebrating today. Onwards and upwards.