This article will review annual events acknowledged by trans communities in Israel and around the world.
Annual Trans Conference
The annual Israeli trans conference centralizes the best current information and expertise that has accumulated in Israel in recent years regarding the trans spectrum. It aims to empower the trans community, to improve centers of knowledge and strength, and to advocate for equal rights and improved quality of life at the personal, social, and institutional levels.
Trans Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week is observed from November 13th (sometimes from the 12th) until November 19th every year, to raise awareness about the trans community and combat the prejudice and violence that the community faces.
Throughout the week, community organizations hold various events.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Transgender Day of Remembrance falls on November 20th every year and memorializes those who have been murdered or have died due to transphobia. The memorial day closes Transgender Awareness Week and raises awareness of violence directed at trans people. Memorial ceremonies and events are held by various community organizations on this date.
Trans Visibility Day
International Trans Visibility Day occurs on March 31st every year. It is dedicated to trans people and to raising awareness of the community as well as the discrimination and violence that trans people face around the world. Various events are held near this day by community organizations.
Non-Binary People’s Day
International Non-Binary People’s Day occurs on July 14th every year and aims to raise awareness of the non-binary community and its needs. Community organizations hold various events on this date.
Agender day of visibillity
An international awareness day to promote visibility for individuals who do not identify with any gender. This day is observed on May 19th.
Intersex Awareness Day
Intersex Awareness Day is observed annually on October 26th. Its goal is to eliminate the shame and secrecy surrounding life as intersex people and to oppose “corrective” surgeries performed on intersex children. While this date is primarily observed in North America, some countries mark it as the start of two weeks of advocacy and awareness, culminating on November 8th, Intersex Day of Remembrance.
Intersex Day of Remembrance
In Europe, it is customary to dedicate November 8th to raising awareness of issues affecting the lives of intersex individuals, similar to the Intersex Awareness Day observed mainly in North America. Originally called Intersex Solidarity Day, it was later renamed Intersex Day of Remembrance. The date was chosen to mark the birthday of Herculine Barbin, an intersex individual who lived in France during the 18th century.
LGBTQ+ Community Events
LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Pride Parade
Pride Month takes place in June every year, with the aim of raising awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and its needs. Pride Parades occur in multiple cities all over the country, along with various events for the community throughout the month.
TLVFest
TLVFest is the Tel Aviv international LGBTQ+ film festival that takes place yearly in October. The festival presents films that deal with the LGBTQ+ community, and many of the filmmakers are members of the community as well. Many of the films presented touch upon trans-related subjects. In addition to the festival itself, the production screens LGBTQ+ films in cinematheques across the country throughout the year.
Lethal Lesbian Festival
Lethal Lesbian is an Israeli film festival dedicated entirely to lesbian films and content. The festival takes place roughly every two years, though the production also hosts other events between festivals.
As the first festival of its kind, Lethal Lesbian strives to promote Israeli lesbian filmmaking and to be a launchpad for women in the television and film sector.
Bisexual Visibility Day and Bisexual Conference
The Bisexual Conference, which takes place on Bi Visibility Day (September 23rd), is a conference dedicated to raising awareness and discussion of subjects relating to people on the multi-attraction spectrum.
Drag Day
A holiday marked on July 16th, during which drag art is celebrated around the world. In addition to drag performances, Drag Day events also include discussions about the rights of drag performers in various countries, the role of drag in feminism and the LGBT liberation movement, and other topics.
IDAHOBIT – International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia
IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia) is observed annually on May 17th. On this day, events are held worldwide to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ rights.