Trans Awareness Week & Day of Remembrance
By displaying a flag, you help foster visibility for the transgender community, signaling solidarity and allyship. Visibility creates a safe and welcoming environment for transgender individuals and promotes broader understanding and acceptance.
About the Campaign
Trans Awareness Week takes place annually from November 13-19 and is dedicated to raising visibility about transgender people and the issues they face. It began as an effort to educate the public on the lived experiences of transgender individuals, including their struggles with discrimination and violence. Over time, it has grown into a week of celebration, advocacy, and solidarity within the trans community, aiming to foster greater understanding and acceptance.
Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), observed on November 20, honors the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost due to anti-transgender violence. Founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith after the murder of Rita Hester, it serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges trans people face, while also standing as a call to action for justice and equality.
Transgender Visibility and Support
Over 1.4 million adults in the U.S. identify as transgender, representing a diverse and growing community.
Utah’s transgender community is more visible than ever. Project Rainbow’s campaigns have proudly displayed thousands of flags across the state, symbolizing support for trans individuals and creating conversations around trans issues.
Healthcare Access: Thanks to advocacy efforts, some insurance providers in Utah now cover gender-affirming healthcare. This is a major step toward ensuring all transgender individuals receive the care they need.The roots of the Community Fund are intertwined with Project Rainbow's flagship initiative: the flag campaigns. These campaigns—focused on Trans Day of Visibility, Pride Month, Southern Utah Pride, and Trans Awareness Week—generate earned revenue from community members who sign up to receive and display pride flags in their neighborhoods. These campaigns not only promote visibility but also generate the revenue that fuels the Community Fund.
Articles
Understanding the Transgender Community
“The trans community is incredibly diverse. Some trans people identify as trans men or trans women, while others may describe themselves as non-binary, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, agender, bigender or other identities that reflect their personal experience. Some of us take hormones or have surgery as part of our transition, while others may change our pronouns or appearance. Roughly three-quarters of trans youth that responded to an HRC Foundation and University of Connecticut survey identified with terms other than strictly ‘boy’ or ‘girl.’” (Understanding the Transgender Community, Human Rights Campaign).
Transgender Rights and Issues
“The 2020s have been monumental for the rights of transgender persons. While trans individuals continue to face disproportionate discrimination and violence, in Bostock v. Clayton County, the Supreme Court held that Title VII explicitly protects trans employees. Furthermore, high-profile trans individuals such as Sarah McBride, who recently became the United States’ first openly trans state senator, are bringing heightened visibility and support to the struggle for transgender rights and social acceptance.” (Transgender Rights and Issues, edited by Elaina Rahrig).
Representation of Transgender Characters
“According to GLAAD’s Accelerating Acceptance study, only 28 percent of non-LGBTQ Americans personally know a transgender person. The study further showed that non-LGBTQ adults who are exposed to the LGBTQ community in media are 30 percent more likely to feel familiar with LGBTQ people overall, compared to people who haven’t been exposed to LGBTQ people in content or media.” (Representation of Transgender Characters, GLAAD)
The Facts on Anti-Trans Ads: Years in, Anti-Trans Attacks Remain a Political Loser
“Polling indicates that 64% of all likely voters, including 72% of Democrats, 65% of Independents, and 55% of Republicans, think that there is ‘too much legislation’ aimed at ‘limiting the rights of transgender and gay people in America.’ This data suggests that across party lines, voters are increasingly viewing these legislative efforts as excessive and politically motivated, rather than addressing real concerns. Many see such actions as ‘political theater’ designed to distract from more pressing issues.’” (Brandon Wolf, Human Rights Campaign)
Key Resources for Transgender Individuals
Project Rainbow works with local organizations to provide a hub for gender-affirming services.
National Center for Transgender Equality
Offers up-to-date legal, healthcare, and policy resources for transgender individuals, including information on ID changes and healthcare access.
Planned Parenthood Gender Affirming Care
PlannedParenthood.org/get-care/our-services/gender-affirming-care
Provides healthcare and gender-affirming services in several locations, including Utah.
Community Feedback
We Want to Hear from You!
At Project Rainbow, we’re striving to provide the most helpful and accurate information for our community. Open to anyone but especially if you our a member of our transgender community, we’d love your feedback and thoughts!
Is there something you feel is missing? Are there resources, stories, or issues you’d like to see highlighted? This page is for you, and your voice can help us make it even better. Please share your thoughts on how we can continue to uplift and support our trans community.
Support the Campaign
2024 Community Fund Recipients
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