Supporting transgender staff, clients and patients

March 21, 2025
Sage Thomas, RN, youth substance use clinician

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), observed annually on March 31, is dedicated to celebrating transgender individuals and raising awareness about the discrimination they face worldwide.

TDOV was founded by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender individuals. Unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, which mourns lives lost to violence, TDOV is a celebration of life, resilience and progress.

In Canada, this day holds significant importance, reflecting our nation's commitment to diversity and inclusion. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 100,815 people (1 in 300) in Canada aged 15 and older identified as transgender or non-binary. 

In 2025, TDOV takes on even greater significance as trans rights continue to be at the centre of global conversations about equality and human rights. As allies standing in solidarity and fostering a culture of acceptance, we move closer to a world where transgender and non-binary people can live openly and authentically without fear or discrimination. Recognizing TDOV provides an opportunity to honour their resilience and contributions, while also acknowledging the challenges they continue to face.

We caught up with Sage Thomas, youth substance use clinician and registered nurse at Foundry Kelowna, to better understand his experience as a trans man who works in health care.

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