Chicagoans recognized Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, as members of the city’s trans community reflected on what the day means to them through a portrait series created by photographer Kathleen Hinkel.
Trans Day of Visibility is observed each year to celebrate and promote understanding for transgender people. The event comes at a time when trans and genderqueer individuals have faced renewed challenges, with reports that at least 27 trans people were killed in violent circumstances between November 2024 and 2025, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
The portraits were taken during Life is Work’s Trans Day of Visibility celebration. Life is Work is described as a trans-led organization that supports transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals. Those photographed included both members of Chicago’s trans community and allies who work daily to provide support.
Several participants shared their perspectives on visibility. Entertainer Christian Valentino said, “Being seen isn’t just visibly with the eyes, but felt with the heart, understood by the mind.” Maria’h Foster, program director at Life is Work, said: “Trans Day of Visibility is a celebration. A refusal to stay quiet or shy away in the face of violence. With everything going on right now, we need people to show up not just as allies but as accomplices — not just on Trans Day of Visibility but 365 days a year.”
Others spoke about inclusion and advocacy. Niko Labarrin emphasized counting people in rather than out: “Involving people in the trans community. Counting them in, not counting them out.” Silas Leslie from Chicago Therapy Collective added: “For me, visibility is a privilege that I take as the honor it is and use my visibility as a way to advocate for and support the trans community.”
Many highlighted how visibility connects with safety or hope for future generations. Jae Rice said: “Visibility to me means, first and foremost, safety. The more visible the trans identity is, the safer we are as a collective.” Dymond Haynes described it as being “a beacon of hope for the next generation.” Others reflected on personal milestones or memories related to discovering themselves within supportive spaces.
As participants continue sharing their stories publicly each year during Trans Day of Visibility celebrations like this one in Chicago’s Life is Work organization event space—and beyond—they underscore ongoing efforts toward acceptance while highlighting persistent challenges facing transgender communities.
