Today marks International Trans Day of Visibility, a time to recognize the achievements of transgender people globally. However, the accomplishments of incarcerated trans individuals, who often fight for their communities under severe duress, receive insufficient recognition.

The Double-Edged Sword of Visibility

Even positive public visibility for trans people can inadvertently increase vulnerability for those incarcerated, particularly for trans women of color, a dynamic explored nearly a decade ago by Tourmaline and Eric Stanley.

Currently, much of the media representation is far from positive or inclusive. Former President Donald Trump and others have specifically targeted incarcerated trans people in political attacks, including campaign ads.

Increased Hostility in Carceral Settings

Dee Deidre Farmer, executive director of Fight4Justice Project, stated that this political climate has emboldened negative sentiments. Consequently, trans people in prison face increased segregation, retaliatory disciplinary actions, and sexual abuse.

Nell Gaither, president of the Trans Pride Initiative, noted that the rise in vitriolic anti-trans attack ads grants staff and other incarcerated persons “implicit permission to misgender, mistreat, and disregard the safety of trans persons, if not actively foster violence.”

Furthermore, this environment stokes fears about losing existing, limited acknowledgments of gender within the Texas prison system, such as access to hormones or specific hair length permissions.

Strategic Responses to a Hostile Climate

Given the external attacks and internal exclusion of trans voices, many incarcerated trans people are reassessing their level of visibility and vocalness.

A general survey indicated that while 55 percent of trans people took steps to be less visible as LGBTQ+ individuals between November 2024 and June 2025, 31 percent became more visible, and 42 percent engaged in advocacy.

Incarcerated Voices on Self-Expression

Rayne Vylette affirmed her commitment to authenticity, stating, “I am who I am. I will be no one else.” While her advocacy has intensified, she observes that it is harder for those not already visible to come out for the first time.

Jolissa Alvarado continues to advocate but stresses the necessity of being strategic and selective to “start stacking some wins under our belts.” She cautions others to “be careful,” as administrations seek reasons to revoke rights.

Ary, a gender justice activist, made the decision to stop taking hormones after Trump’s election, choosing to end treatment on her own terms rather than risk having it taken away. She has also begun martial arts training to create a “deterrent” against oppression.

Conversely, Jacinda Lee Allenbaugh has chosen increased outspokenness, wearing makeup more often and displaying small LGBTQ flags proudly, believing in future liberation because “we exist, and are not about to disappear.”

Visibility as Resistance and Risk

Farmer emphasized the immense courage required to be visible inside, noting that visibility automatically makes one a target for harassment, misgendering, and abuse from both correctional staff and other inmates.

Gaither suggested that framing the issue as visibility versus invisibility poorly captures the exercise of agency and the right to exist openly without fear of abuse.

Many incarcerated individuals expressed skepticism about the utility of Trans Day of Visibility, with Gaither suggesting it can devolve into tokenization, keeping advocates “seen but not heard.” Farmer noted that media portrayals of anti-trans attacks often fail to quote a single trans person, leaving those inside feeling deeply misunderstood.

Allies and Advocacy on the Outside

Organizations are actively fighting to protect the rights of trans people in prison. Pooja Gehi, co-founder of the Alyssa Rodriguez Center for Gender Justice (ARC), highlighted that incarcerated trans people are experts at organizing under repression.

ARC is training others using analysis from incarcerated trans femmes to improve external organizing efforts and is fighting to protect the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), which offers basic protections against sexual violence.

Fight4Justice Project focuses on securing compassionate release for trans individuals and seeking alternatives to incarceration. The Trans Pride Initiative documents violence and advocates for prison abolition, particularly in Texas.

How to Show Solidarity

Farmer urged supporters to connect with organizations aiding those inside and, crucially, to reach out to isolated individuals, even by sending a card to show they are remembered.

Allenbaugh asked supporters to “Raise hell for us and with us in peaceful protests” and link up with trans organizations. Ary requested outside forces collaborate on projects by calling and emailing jail administrations to apply pressure.

While many inside had not heard of Trans Day of Visibility due to community disconnect, Farmer believes acknowledging the day would mean a great deal. Upon learning about it, Vylette planned to honor it by writing a piece and sending a photo with makeup worn “a little louder.”