QuoteThere's no argument anymore over whether or not Facebook and other social networking Web sites are a viable means to community organizing, planning events and connecting within a community. But every once in a while, the power of the Internet can still provide a surprise.

The most recent in the LGBT community came one night as Transgender Michigan Executive Director Rachel Crandall sat at her computer, unable to sleep. She created an event page for something called the International Transgender Day of Visibility. It was an idea she had in her mind for some time, and it exploded.

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Transgender Day of Visibility plans erupt locally, nationwide
Groundbreaking day of events set to take place March 31
by Jessica Carreras

QuoteOne big change from usual events, Crandall was proud to report, is that the Transgender Day of Visibility was done all on a grassroots level, without backing from any large organizations. So more than just big events that raise money, Crandall hopes that the day will allow people to get involved as individuals - from coming out to their friends, family or coworkers, to just wearing a ribbon to show support.

"I've heard people say that if it wasn't for this, they wouldn't be doing anything out," she said. "...I think a lot of trans people are just looking for an opportunity to actually do something, not only to write a check. They want to actually do something and I think this day is giving them something to actually do."

Just as an FYI: if you're looking for the event on Facebook there's a typo in the name. Do a search for International Transgender Day of Visability (note the "a").

Otherwise, I think it's time we stood up and be proud of who we are.