This Transgender Day of Visibility, Our Communities Can Do More

In December 2025, dozens of URJ members attending the Consultation on Conscience gathered for a session where attendees explored resources from the RAC's "Infinite Value: A Resource Manual for Promoting Transgender Belonging and Justice" and discussed concrete steps their communities could take. I had the honor of organizing and moderating this workshop, and I left that hotel conference room with a level of hope that, these days, feels rare - people were eager to make their Jewish communities more inclusive and understood why, now more than ever, ensuring that Jewish life is a place of belonging for transgender and nonbinary Jews has never mattered more.

Transgender people are under attack at all levels of government all across the country. There are currently 738 anti-trans bills under consideration in Congress and state legislatures across the country. So far in 2026, states have passed 15 bills, and 113 anti-transgedner bills have been introduced in Congress. In June, the Supreme Court will rule on the Hecox/B.P.J. case about transgender inclusion in sports. The executive orders and proposed federal regulations targeting transgender people attack access to health care, anti-discrimination protections in the workforce, military service, and so much more.

As we approach Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31, we carry this heaviness, fear, and frustration with us. Created in 2010 by transgender advocate Rachel Crandall, TDOV is a moment meant to celebrate trans people and trans joy - honoring the challenges of visibility while remaining grounded in celebration and community. Feeling that the media tends to portray transgender people almost exclusively through the lens of violence, Crandall envisioned a day of celebration that also respected the reality that not all trans people are able or willing to be openly visible, due to the discrimination they face.

As Reform Jews, celebrating TDOV means ensuring our communities are places of welcoming, belonging, and visibility for transgender and nonbinary Jews. Jewish tradition teaches places great value on Kavod Habriyot, the dignity of all people. That conviction is the foundation of our "Infinite Value" resource guide, designed to help Jewish communities become truly inclusive and affirming of transgender people.

The Infinite Value resource guide is a living document that includes resources, language, and learning opportunities for people in all Jewish communities. Below is a taste of some of the actions that clergy, educators, synagogue administrators, lay leaders, and congregants can take to make our spaces more affirming. No matter your role in your synagogue or Jewish community, the Infinite Value resource has something for you!

Clergy

• Use gender-neutral language from the bimah - "Friends" instead of "Ladies and Gentlemen"

• Adapt rituals to be inclusive of transgender and nonbinary individuals so no one must request special accommodations

Educators

• Protect students' privacy by asking before sharing their names, pronouns, or identity with others

• Recognize that your Jewish classroom may be one of the only safe spaces a student has - affirming language is crucial

• Incorporate curricula that center transgender voices and affirm transgender inclusion in Jewish life

Synagogue Administrators

• Ensure bathrooms and signage are inclusive

• Make sure your website reflects your community's values so transgender individuals know they are welcome - this can include adding pronouns to staff bios

• Train ushers and greeters to assume pronouns or honorifics

• Ensure registration forms are inclusive of different family structures and pronouns

Lay Leaders and Congregants

• Create educational opportunities for community members to learn how to be welcoming and inclusive

• Model affirming language - adding pronouns to your name tag is a simple start

• Visit the RAC's website to take action on transgender justice and encourage others to do the same

• Encourage congregational leadership to engage with the resource guide

The work of transgender inclusion is never finished, but it is always worthwhile. As we mark Transgender Day of Visibility this March 31st, let us recommit to the Reform Jewish value at the heart of this work - the infinite worth of every human being, created B'tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. Download the Infinite Value resource guide, share it with your community and take one step toward making Jewish life a place where every person can belong fully and freely.