Israel celebrates Trans Day of Visibility, honors trans-sensitive MKs
Every year on March 31, the International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated, honoring the trans community and emphasizing their value within society.
By TAMAR URIEL-BEERIYesh Atid MK Meirav Ben-Ari wins an award for her contribution to the Israeli trans community, 2019.(photo credit: ELLA FELICITY DORON/COURTESY THE CANADIAN EMBASSY)
The Canadian ambassador's house in Tel Aviv hosted the Transitions Organization for the Trans Community last Thursday in honor of International Trans Day of Visibility, which was officially celebrated on March 31.The organization awarded prizes to four Knesset members for advancing the rights of the transgender community in Israel: two from Yesh Atid, one from Kulanu and another from the Joint List.Yesh Atid MK Karin Elharar received an award from the organization for changing procedures for the benefit of the trans community, including the creation of specialized branches for the trans community at the National Insurance Institute, the creation of advanced procedures for the treatment of transgender people, and the easing of sex changes on Israeli ID cards.Another Yesh Atid MK, Yael German, received a prize for changing the procedure of gender adjustment in Israel. German changed and eased the progression of the Gender Adjustment Committee and included a transgender representative in the committee, among other reforms.Kulanu MK Meirav Ben-Ari was awarded for transferring funds for the benefit of the trans community for plans to prevent suicide in the community, for doubling surgery room times, increasing training for medical personnel, and for her regular presence at the State Control Committee in discussions relating to the trans community.Joint List MK Dov Khenin was awarded for promoting legislation for the benefit of the transgender community. Khenin led the amendment of the Student Rights Law, which now states that "local education authorities, educational institutions or any person acting in their name will not discriminate against students for reasons of sexual orientation or gender identity, either of the child or their parents."This is the only law in Israel that provides protection against discrimination based on gender identity.Transitions Director Elisha Alexander said that "the need to support the trans community does not stem from our weaknesses.""Trans people crush the rules of gender to pieces," Alexander continued. "We are not looking for saviors, we do not need rehabilitation. It is human society that needs it."Alexander explained that "the revolution of women's rights, the struggle of pride, and even the struggle against racism and nationalism cannot move forward without first dealing with the basic issues of gender and sexuality."The International Transgender Day of Visibility is held every year on March 31 to celebrate the lives of the members of the trans community and people who are different in gender, as well as to emphasize the value of the trans community as a significant part of society.
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