All around the globe, groups and individuals are celebrating the sixth annual Transgender Day of Visibility.

Founded in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall, Trans Day of Visibility has grown to be an international observance, celebrating the lives of trans people.

“The Trans Day of Visibility is a day when we celebrate trans lives and raise awareness about our experiences,” says, Broden Giambrone, chief executive of Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI).

“It’s an opportunity to say that we exist and our lives matter. As trans characters are starting to be featured regularly on TV shows and in movies, we’re still struggling with positive representations. We’re still fighting against stereotypes and salacious reporting which has a really negative impact on trans people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“Positive visibility is so crucial right now. We need to showcase our community in all its diversity and we need to celebrate our heroes and role-models. We need to send the message that being trans is not a bad thing and it is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Why does visibility matter? Watch TENI’s video ‘I AM’ below.