On Transgender Day of Visibility, we take a look at the realities trans youth face—and the support that helps them thrive at home, at school and beyond.

A note on language: We use the term “transgender” (“trans”) in alignment with the official title of Transgender Day of Visibility. Throughout, “trans youth” refers broadly to transgender and gender-diverse young people. 

2026 has not been an easy year for trans youth to exist as themselves.

Across Canada, the rise in anti-trans legislation and rhetoric has created an environment where many trans young people must weigh the painful choice of visibility or safety. Everyday activities, such as using a public washroom, joining a sports team, traveling or updating legal documents, can become sites of exclusion and fear. Even presenting oneself publicly as a trans person can feel risky. And yet, trans youth continue to show up.

Transgender Day of Visibility offers an important opportunity not only to recognize these challenges, but also to celebrate the strength and resilience that trans youth embody in the face of them.

First observed in 2009, Transgender Day of Visibility was created by activist Rachel Crandall to uplift and celebrate trans lives, in contrast to the more somber Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honours those we have lost. At the same time, not all trans people seek visibility, whether it be for safety, privacy or just the desire to move through the world without facing scrutiny. Still, visible support matters—particularly for young people, knowing that they are affirmed, whether they are out or still questioning their identity, can be life changing.

The impact of that support is well documented and profound. For trans youth, having supportive parents or guardians is one of the most protective factors for mental health. This can be as simple as using the correct name or pronouns. Trans youth whose pronouns are respected attempt suicide at about half the rate of those whose pronouns are not respected. Expressing unconditional support, standing up to discrimination and helping youth access safe and affirming spaces are other powerful ways to show up for your loved ones. The young people participating in our research echo this clearly, describing the relief and safety of feeling accepted at home. One youth reflected on the impact of their supportive family:

My family, my friends, sort of the community my mom has—she has a group of friends that are really wonderful people who, a lot of them are trans or gender diverse—[means] being able to see adults who look more like me and behave more like me has [really] felt like a great space as well.

Schools are another critical environment for protecting and supporting trans youth. When trans students are treated as part of the norm rather than the exception, they are able to thrive. Inclusive policies that are actively implemented, affirming educators, and visible school-wide support all contribute to that shift. As one high school student shared:

All of our teachers there are lovely. There’s a very big queer community at our school, so all the teachers have just gotten used to…a lot of people coming into the school are going to be using different names and different pronouns and they adjust really well, both in person and on paper, they use the right names on report cards, the right pronouns…you never feel like you’re being treated differently no matter how you present.

Peer support is just as powerful. Having friends who share or affirm one’s experiences can create space for exploration, confidence and joy. For many trans youth who may not receive acceptance from their families, friends can serve as a powerful source of support. One young person described the importance of having peers with shared experiences:

My partner is non-binary, and I have two other non-binary friends, and so they are very open to gender-diverse people and are very welcoming of change and are very helpful in figuring myself out. For example, if I wanted to wear different clothes, or style my hair differently, or paint my nails or put on makeup, I would never be judged by them, [and] they could even help me.

Trans youth are not only navigating adversity, but they are also building community, expressing themselves, and imagining new possibilities for who they can be. On this Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrating trans youth means more than just acknowledging their existence. For parents, caregivers and communities, it means helping to create the conditions that allow young people to thrive, at home, in schools and beyond. Visibility is important, but it is not enough. Trans young people deserve to be supported, affirmed and able to grow up knowing they are valued for exactly who they are. 

Trans, nonbinary and questioning youth who are seeking help can contact the Trans Lifeline to speak with a peer. The Trans Lifeline is operated by and for trans people, and provides confidential, anonymous support without judgment. The hotline can be reached by calling (877) 330-6366 from Monday to Friday, 1PM-9PM ET.

Parents, guardians and families of trans youth who want to learn more about how to support the trans youth in their lives may find the Families in Transition Guide by Central Toronto Youth Services a helpful resource. It offers insights from other families, addresses common misconceptions, and provides practical tips for supporting, guiding, and staying connected with youth through their transition.

Dr. Alex Abramovich is a senior scientist at the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and an Associate Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. He holds a Canada Research Chair in 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness and Mental Health. Dr. Abramovich is the Director of the 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Health and Homelessness Research Lab at CAMH—www.alexabramovich.me. 

This piece was co-authored by Dr. Alex Abramovich and his team: Christina a Giuggio, a research trainee/MPH student; Nicole Elkington, a research coordinator; and Michael Silberberg, a research analyst.