Transgender and non-binary people have always been here—and today and every day, we celebrate them 

Mar 27, 2025

March 31st marks International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), an annual event dedicated to recognizing the achievements, resilience, and contributions of transgender and non-binary people around the world. 

Trans and non-binary identities have existed for centuries, long before Western terminology. From Two-Spirit identities in Indigenous cultures to hijras in South Asia, gender diversity is deeply rooted in global history. While issues facing transgender communities have gained more visibility in recent years, trans people have been advocating for their rights for generations. 

The mental health impact of transphobia 

Despite progress, transgender and non-binary individuals continue to experience discrimination in healthcare, employment, and daily life, contributing to higher rates of mental health challenges. 

• Only 34% of transgender individuals rate their mental health as positive, compared to 72% of cisgender individuals (Statistics Canada, 2018). 

• Nearly half of transgender individuals have seriously contemplated suicide. 

• 61% have been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder. 

Barriers to affirming healthcare, stigma, and systemic discrimination all contribute to these disparities. But trans people deserve mental health care that affirms and supports them. 

CMHA Halton is here to support 

At CMHA Halton, we are committed to ensuring mental health services are inclusive and affirming. We are proud to offer AFFIRM, an affirmative group for LGBTQ2S+ youth and adults that integrates identity affirmation with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). AFFIRM is a 4-session group focused on reducing symptoms of depression and improving coping skills and sexual self-efficacy. We also partnered in launching the first Gender Affirming Clinic in Halton. The clinic serves individuals who identify as trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse. This multidisciplinary care team ensures that clients receive a full range of services towards care goals with increased collaboration across providers. 

For additional mental health resources for transgender and non-binary individuals, check out: 

• Invisible Intersections: A Toolkit on Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Students on Campus 

• Mental Health Services for Gender-Diverse and Sexual-Minority Youth (cmha.ca) 

• Asking About Gender: Confronting Assumptions and Challenging Transphobia 

• Inclusive and Affirming Language Tips 

• Amplifying Voices: Actions to Close the Gap on 2SLGBTQ+ Mental Health Care (cmha.ca) 

• Closing the Gap on 2SLGBTQ+ Care: Actions for Healthcare Organizations and System Leaders | Rainbow Health Ontario 

Today, and every day, we celebrate the trans community. Let’s continue to uplift trans voices, advocate for equity, and create a future where all identities are respected and affirmed. 

🏳️‍⚧️ Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility!