Good Day Everyone,

I am Reverend Yunus Coldman, Eastern Regional Coordinator for TransSaints. 

March 31st is International Trans Day of Visibility an annual event dedicated to not only raising awareness of the discrimination faced by Transgender people world-wide but dedicated to “celebrating” Transgender persons and our contributions to society.

The day was founded by Transgender activist Rachel Crandall of Michigan in 2009 as a response to the LGBT community at large lack of recognition of Transgender people’s contribution to the movement.

It is a commemoration and acknowledgment of TGNC forerunners such as Sylvia Rivera of S.T.A.R., Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major, BobbyJean Baker, who is one of the founders of TransSaints, and those countless others who are doing the work currently. Celebrate with us as best as you can under the existing circumstances.

I would like to also take a moment to bring to the forefront of consciousness those of us in the TGNC (Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming) community who are having an especially difficult time during this pandemic. TGNC people are already underserved and are even the more so under this pandemic particularly in the area of healthcare. 

TGNC siblings you are in our prayers, we are doing what we can, and are painfully aware that more needs to be done. You are loved and you do matter.

I am sure our pioneers would be proud of the visibility we have achieved thus far in politics, music, tv, and so forth. But I can hear them saying it is still not enough. And so, the battle continues.  

We will no longer be ignored but will go down in the annals of history as making a difference in our lives, in ourexistence, in our community, and, yes, in yours.

Thank you for your attention.

Peace and blessings,

Reverend Yunus Coldman

Eastern Regional Coordinator

TransSaints

The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries