The last 15 months have been an unquestionably challenging time for transgender and gender folx, especially transgender youth and the patients and families we care for at Children’s Minnesota.
It is within this context that we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. It’s a day set aside to highlight the importance of transgender people, celebrate the joy of being a part of the transgender community, and to recognize the gifts that all transgender and gender diverse people bring to all our communities, including our community at Children’s Minnesota.
Transgender people’s rights are being threatened and, in some cases, taken away. This includes their right to vote, their ability to access driver’s licenses and other forms of identification, and their freedom to access public spaces, bathrooms and essential health care.
Despite all this, no one can ever take away someone’s innate identity, freedom or ability to exist. Transgender and gender diverse people have always been, and will always be, a part of our communities. We should protect and celebrate our friends, neighbors, peers and colleagues today and every day. Diversity of identity and experience only makes us stronger.
For this International Transgender Day of Visibility, I have invited two leaders from the Children’s Minnesota PRIDE employee resource group to share their perspectives. They remind us that having an inclusive workplace gives us the gift of working with amazing folx like Max and Cass.
Max Perry in his own words
Trans Day of Visibility, for me, isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being understood and respected in the moments that actually matter.
Visibility is powerful. It makes space for transgender people to exist fully — as patients, as family members, as colleagues — not just as a topic, but as people.
As a trans man, I’ve experienced what it feels like to be fully seen, and how quickly that can change. I’ve had moments where someone got it right without hesitation, and moments where something as seemingly small as using the wrong name or pronoun shifted the entire interaction. Not because of intent, but because of impact.
And once that trust is fractured, it’s hard to rebuild.
Those moments stick with you. They shape how safe you feel, how much of yourself you’re willing to share, and how much you trust the people around you.
I share this from personal experience, because it matters how we show up for our patients and for each other.
At Children’s Minnesota, we talk a lot about our mission, vision and values when it comes to equity and inclusion. Those don’t live in statements; they show up in everyday interactions, especially the small ones.
Taking the time to get someone’s name right. Respecting pronouns. Pausing instead of making assumptions. Being willing to adjust — even if it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
That’s what it looks like to actually live our values.
For transgender people, those moments aren’t small. They’re often the difference between feeling respected or feeling invisible. For transgender patients, those moments make or break trust with the care team.
Visibility matters. But what matters more is what we choose to do with it — and whether we’re willing to show up in ways that reflect the values we say we hold, even when it isn’t easy.
Cass Casarez in their own words
To me, every day is Trans Day of Visibility.
But that is by choice — a choice I am grateful to have.
When I was looking for jobs nearly three years ago, I focused my search on places where I could fully be myself. Children’s Minnesota was on top of my list for two reasons: their presence at the People of Color Career Fair and their presence at the Minnesota State Capitol. As part of my previous advocacy work at TIGERRS, I volunteered to speak in favor of the Trans Refuge Bill alongside several leaders from Children’s Minnesota, including Dr. Goepferd.
Their science-backed testimonies warmed my heart on that cold January day and gave me a sense of purpose: to use my visibility as a nonbinary trans man in a positive way.
It is an honor to do just that as one of the kid experts. I see the impact I make in my day job and as co-chair of the Children’s Minnesota PRIDE employee resource group just by being myself, and I am grateful for the space to do that. The gestures made are not grandiose by any means, but they’re meaningful just the same. Every time someone intentionally uses my pronouns or calls me sir, it makes me feel more seen. In turn, I’m better equipped to help others feel seen, too.
But there have been some bumps in the road. It is not easy, especially right now, especially as the vocal minority gets louder and louder. But I still stay visible because I can, and it’s too important not to be.
It is important for prospective allies to be visible as well. And you don’t have to know everything to do so; you just need to try. It will likely be awkward at first. That is OK. Every little gesture helps. This is especially crucial for those of us in health care, specifically pediatric health care. We all want to do right by the kids in our lives, and the best way to do that is by supporting them through thick and thin.
Happy trans kids turn into happy trans adults. I should know; I’m one of them.
I’d also like to mention something that might seem ironic in a blog about visibility. At the end of the day, we’re all just people. Yeah, we’re different, but we’re all doing our best. But we do need a bit more love right now.
We all know the stats. We all know what is at stake. That’s why it’s not enough just to say you see us. You have to show it, too.
