One thing that continues to surprise me is that you learn something every day.

It was simply by chance that I stumbled across a reference to Rachel Crandall Crocker as the creative force behind what's become the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

I faced this revelation with a combination of gleeful surprise and embarrassment. The happy reaction came from knowing that our home state transgender community has made an impact on the worldwide group, and embarrassment that I didn't know it previously.

"Since coming out, Crandall-Crocker has been actively involved in protests against anti-transgender legislation at both state and federal levels.

Fourteen years ago, she embarked on initiating an international day dedicated to transgender visibility.

“'I came up with the idea, I picked the date, I held the first events and I contacted trans-leaders all over the world,' Crandall-Crocker said. 'It was really wonderful.'”

Crandall-Crocker is also the founder of Transgender Michigan, whose "primary mission is to provide advocacy, support and education while serving to create coalitions in the state of Michigan to unify and empower transgender and gender non-conformist communities."

I've linked to the organization's site before and I highly recommend it as a go-to source for assistance and event planning.

"Crandall-Crocker wanted to make sure that the day was far enough away from Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is recognized on November 20, to ensure there was minimal confusion and gave ample time for individuals to process both days. 

As the years went on, Crandall-Crocker says more and more nations and people have begun to celebrate the Transgender Day of Visibility.

“'Transgender Day of Visibility is like my baby,” Crandall-Crocker said. “I’m so immensely proud of the work I’ve done.'”

Crandall-Crocker is a Michigan State University grad--much to the chagrin of my Wolverine heart--and it gives me a sense of pride knowing that this trailblazing transgender activist lives among us!

For more on Crandall-Crocker, I suggest you head on over to the STATE NEWS and read the entire article about her.

--- Anni