International Transgender Day of Visibility: Visibility, Respect and Inclusion Matter
- Shane Warren
- Mar 30
- 2 min read
MEDIA RLEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
31 March 2026
On 31 March, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) joins communities around the world in recognising International Transgender Day of Visibility a day that celebrates the lives and contributions of transgender and gender-diverse people while also raising awareness of the discrimination many still face.
VMHPAA believes visibility matters because people’s mental wellbeing is shaped not only by what they experience internally, but also by whether they are seen, respected, and able to live openly and safely within their communities. The Australian Human Rights Commission has noted that respect for individuality affects a person’s self-worth and inherent dignity, and that inclusive language helps recognise individuality and the visibility of important issues.
Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA, said International Transgender Day of Visibility is an important opportunity to celebrate transgender and gender-diverse people and to affirm the value of visibility, safety, and inclusion.
“Visibility matters because people matter,” Mr Warren said. “International Transgender Day of Visibility is a chance to celebrate transgender and gender-diverse individuals, to honour their stories, strengths, and contributions, and to recognise that every person deserves to be seen with dignity and respect.”
Mr Warren said positive visibility can play an important role in mental wellbeing by helping challenge stigma, reduce isolation, and create stronger pathways to belonging.
“When people see themselves reflected with respect, humanity, and hope, it can make a real difference,” he said. “Open conversations, positive stories, and inclusive communities help build a world where transgender and gender-diverse people are not simply acknowledged, but genuinely welcomed and valued.”
VMHPAA is encouraging individuals, families, workplaces, schools, services, and community leaders to use the day as an opportunity to listen, learn, and foster environments that are safer, kinder, and more inclusive.
“A more compassionate society is built when people are free to live openly and authentically,” Mr Warren said. “Visibility should not come at the cost of safety. It should come with support, respect, and a shared commitment to inclusion.”
On this International Transgender Day of Visibility, VMHPAA celebrates transgender and gender-diverse people and affirms the importance of visibility, understanding, and community support for mental wellbeing.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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