16th May is recognised around the world as Honour Our LGBT Elders Day – a day to reflect on all those brave, powerful and inspiring people that have paved the way for today’s LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a day to acknowledge the struggles many have endured and celebrate the progress they have made in the fight for equality.
Celebrating trans people throughout the years
• Michael Dillon: Born in 1915, Michael was assigned female at birth but questioned his gender identity from an early age. Going on to become an Oxford educated doctor, author and Buddhist monk, Michael was the first known transgender man to undergo a phalloplasty.
• Christine Jorgensen: Born in 1926, Christine was an accomplished actress, singer, recording artist and transgender activist. She was the first person to become widely known in the United States for undergoing gender reassignment surgery.
• Marsha P Johnson: Born in New Jersey in 1945, Marsha was an American gay liberation activist. The term “transgender” was not in widespread use during her lifetime, and she described herself as gay, a transvestite and a drag queen. She was a member of the Gay Liberation Front and co-founded the radical activist group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries alongside close friend Sylvia Rivera. In addition, Marsha was also a respected AIDS activist.
• Suzy Eddie Izzard: Born in 1962, Suzy said she knew she was transgender at the age of four. Today, she is an award-winning stand-up comedian, actor and political activist. She famously completed 43 marathons in 51 days to raise money for Sport Relief.
• Quinn: Born in 1995, Quinn was the first non-binary transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics and the first to win a gold medal. Quinn later became the first openly transgender and non-binary footballer at the FIFA World Cup.
Why should we celebrate Honour Our LGBT Elders Day?
The achievements of the people listed above shouldn’t be underestimated. Not only did they each accomplish incredible things, they did so against a backdrop of prejudice and discrimination. Each one is a true trailblazer, making the path that little bit easier for trans people today.
And if you have any doubts as to why it’s so important to mark Honour Our LGBT Elders Day on 16th May, remember that the very next day, 17th May, is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – a day that exists because of the difficulties that many trans people sadly still endure.
Waterside Clinic welcomes you
Waterside Clinic is proud to provide supportive transgender and non-binary care within a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. If you would like to find out more about our services, get in touch with our friendly team on 0131 202 5314, or email us on hello@waterside.clinic.