Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Is your congregation seeking ways to grow in its welcome and inclusion of transgender, nonbinary, and two-spirit people? Taking the first step can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Throughout the year, there are meaningful observances that offer opportunities to learn, reflect, and show visible support. Consider how your community might engage with the following dates as part of a journey toward deeper inclusion and belonging.

March 20: Two-Spirit Celebration and Awareness Day

March 20 is dedicated to celebrating the unique identities, expressions, and experiences of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ individuals. It's a time for honoring their resilience, acknowledging their contributions, and raising awareness about the challenges they face. Two-Spirit People (also Two Spirit or Twospirit), an English term that emerged in 1990 out of the third annual inter-tribal Native American/First Nations gay/lesbian American conference in Winnipeg, describes Indigenous North Americans who fulfill one of many mixed gender roles found traditionally among many Native Americans and Canadian First Nations Indigenous groups. Learn more here.

March 31: Transgender Day of Visibility

Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) foregrounds trans joy and flourishing, celebrating the stories of trans lives in everyday as well as extraordinary circumstances. As the name suggests, the day creates space for trans people to be visible as they wish and are able to, emphasizing their agency in that process. This invitation is in stark contrast to how trans people can be made visible in stigmatizing ways.

Third Sunday in April: Nonbinary Parents Day

Just as we honor Mother's Day in May and Father's Day in June, Nonbinary Parents Day celebrates nonbinary parents! Nonbinary parents defy traditional gender stereotypes associated with parenthood, promoting a more inclusive view of family structures. By being nonbinary parents, they model gender diversity for their children and others, encouraging exploration of identity and interests without traditional gender limitations.

July 14: International Nonbinary People’s Day

July 14 is recognized around the world as International Non-Binary People’s Day. This occasion shines a light on those who identify as non-binary and celebrates the rich diversity of the community.

November is Transgender Awareness Month

November is Trans Awareness Month—a celebration and recognition of transgender communities and people. Trans Awareness Month also includes Transgender Parent Day and Transgender Day of Remembrance which honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-trans violence. Congregations can demonstrate their solidarity and inclusion of trans folks in their communities by organizing special services, educational events, and other community events!

First Sunday in November: Transgender Parents Day

Similar to Nonbinary Parents Day in April, Transgender Parents Day honors and celebrates transgender parents. Transgender parents in our communities may feel isolated or invisible in their communities. This day reminds them that they are supported and appreciated for who they are. The day offers congregations an opportunity to create a community of support and understanding for transgender parents and their loved ones.

November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Congregations and diocese have observed TDOR through organizing solemn memorial or prayer services, repenting of the violence done to the trangender and LGBTQ+ community on behalf of the church.