31.03.22 marks the international Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV)where trans people all over the world are able to celebrate their contributions to society.
First held in 2009 as a counterpart to the Transgender day of remembrance, where the discrimination abuse and murders of transgender individuals is spotlighted, the TDOV is seen as a positive event to showcase prominent Transgender role models in all walks of life.
As you may know, I have identified as Transgender for many years and strive to show the TG community in a positive light.
The individuals I look at being my role models are people who many may have never heard of, but have had an impact in the normalisation of transgender in the community. Here are a selection of some of the British TG individuals that I look up to : -
Going back to the 1700’s was the Scots James Barrie who worked as a military surgeon and became the inspector general of hospitals. It was later found after their death that James was a female and thus probably the first qualified female Dr in the UK -
https://www.history.com/news/the-extraordinary-secret-life-of-dr-james-barry
Following on from this in the 1940’s was Michael Dillon, who was a Navel surgeon and underwent the first female to male surgery. In later life he became the first European to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Dillon
Roberta Cowell was a former WW2 RAF spitfire pilot and a prisoner of war, who transitioned from male to female in the early 1950’s. She was also famous for being GP racing driver which she continued after her transition. -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberta_Cowell
April Ashley MBE, transitioned in the 1960’s and became famous due to her marriage and devoice to a peer, which resulted in long term barriers being imposed on all members of the TG community until recently -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Ashley
Suzy Eddy Izzard, a comedian and actor who has always been a visible member of the TG community, standing out in her clothing style and presenting in both male and female garb. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Izzard
Christine Burns MBE, and Stephen Whittle OBE, activists who advisees the government on transgender issues, instrumental in the Gender Recognition act amongst other things.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Burns
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Whittle
Catharine Burton – transitioned from male to female while serving as Senior BA pilot and now an activist involved with advising media on transgender issues.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-47803416
Bobbi Pickard was the first openly TG in BP and has been awarded in numerous areas for her work in diversity awareness and support
https://www.bobbipickard.com
Ayla Holdem - transition while serving as a helicopter pilot in the RAF, now works as a police helicopter pilot
https://www.bustle.com/p/ayla-holdom-is-the-only-female-helicopter-pilot-on-the-uk-police-force-but-shes-used-to-breaking-barriers-9272426
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Outside of the UK there are many prominent transgender individuals who are leading the way forward in all walks of life.
In recent estimations it was found that over 1% of the UK population identify as Transgender, So you may have not knowing met someone who is transgender, but that doesn’t mean you have not come into contact with a trans person.
We are here in all walks of live and are proud to be ourselves.
