International Transgender Day of Visibility is a day of celebration, support, and love within the transgender community and among allies, and it is especially important amid the ongoing legislative efforts across the country targeting the lives, the health, and the well being of trans individuals. 

According to the Human Rights Campaign, which is tracking anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in statehouses across the country, just in these first few months of 2023, there have been a record number of bills that target transgender people specifically.

We speak with Shelby Chestnut, Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center about the history of the day, and finding joy amid the ongoing harassment, discrimination, and political violence that trans people continue to face.