Here’s a Google hot-tip: if the quiz night question starts: “In what year did…”? The answer is probably 2016. For the transgender community 2016 was the year that trans storylines broke into mainstream US cinema and TV, and Jeffrey Tambor celebrated his Emmy by hoping that it would be the last time a trans-female role was played by a non-trans actor. 2016 saw the first transgender person to address a major party convention, and another take a staff role in the White House. The trans movement has come a long way on the back of tireless individuals making the case for trans-equality and visibility. That activism has been reflected in the response of people around the world, who have chosen to tune in and pay attention.

However, we are also reminded of the many struggles that continue for the transgender community. 2016 is also the most deadly year on record for transgender people with 23 reported murders in the USA and counting. This year also saw non-transgender legislators begin to pass laws about where transgender people can use a bathroom.



At the start of Transgender Awareness Week, we both celebrate the progress that has been made and reflect on the important work that must continue. To help share stories of transgender people as regular people, doing regular things, while also shining a light on the extraordinary daily challenges that community still faces we created #transvoices. This is a series of short films showcasing three remarkable individuals: Mara Kiesling, Evan Young and Jasmine Morrell, who are all using technology to support their communities, build their businesses, and help improve the lives of trans people.

