文 / 吳伊婷 Abby (Scroll down for English version.)
6185天，883週，203個月，將近17年。
17年，是一個孩子從出生到即將行使公民權的時間，也是我從事跨性別倡議工作的歲月。
2008年4月24日，為了捍衛自己的工作權，我接受了媒體採訪，自此踏上了爭取跨性別者權益的旅程。當時，我認識了跨性別社群，才明白原來自己所遭遇的困境，竟然是那麼多人的共同經驗。於是我抱持著「如果同樣做一件事能夠幫到更多人，那就更值得」的初衷，創立了台灣性別不明關懷協會，開始為社群發聲。
從來，我就是那個「路見不平，幫你插渾蛋兩刀」的人，因為我親身經歷過性別認同導致的家庭暴力、醫療資源匱乏的迷惘、職場歧視時無處申訴的無助、內心苦痛無人傾訴的孤單，甚至經歷過自我傷害的黑暗時刻。這些不堪的經歷是許多跨性別者共同的生命軌跡，但也正因如此，我們比任何人都更堅韌、更勇敢。正因為這樣的勇氣，每一個人都應該有機會順利地成為自己想要成為的模樣。
我不敢自誇爭取過多麼了不起的權益。在這條漫長的路上，我們曾有幾次差點取得重要突破，但最後卻因各種原因而落空。我所能做的，是盡自己最大的努力，陪伴著每一位夥伴繼續往前。
十幾年來，我看到越來越多的跨性別朋友勇敢走到陽光下，讓世界看見我們真實的樣子，也願意分享屬於我們的故事。非常感謝每一位願意向身邊朋友展現真實自己的你們，是你們的現身改變了每一位接觸到跨性別者的人，也讓這個世界變得更友善、更適合每個人生活。
同時，我也明白還有許多朋友，因為擔心這個世界的排斥與出櫃後可能面臨的各種困難，而停在跨性別道路的起點遲疑不前。這不是你們的錯，是這個社會的錯。我們唯有繼續努力，才能創造一個讓每個人都能自由成為自己的世界。
最近這幾年，我們看到全球跨性別權益的巨大倒退，也觀察到台灣跨性別族群的心理健康狀況正變得越來越嚴峻。無論是站在輿論中心的朋友、安靜生活的朋友，或尚未出櫃的朋友，大家都在日益高漲的反跨聲浪中感到不安與焦慮。誠然，我們無法預知未來會如何發展，但我們知道此時此刻，我們仍然擁有彼此的支持與依靠。
如果有什麼是我能夠幫得上忙的，請一定告訴我。即使我個人的能力有限，我也會竭盡全力幫你找到適合的資源。
感謝每一位勇敢現身的你，無論你是向家人、朋友、同學、同事分享故事，都非常了不起。
我不會告訴你要加油，真正需要加油的是這個世界，而不是我們。
Transgender Day of Visibility: We don’t need encouragement; The world does.
6,185 days, 883 weeks, 203 months—almost 17 years.
Seventeen years is how long it takes for a child to grow from birth to nearly adulthood. It’s also how long I’ve been advocating for transgender rights.
On April 24, 2008, I accepted a media interview to defend my right to work, marking the start of my journey in transgender advocacy. Through connecting with the transgender community, I realized my personal struggles were shared by so many. Driven by the belief that “if doing one thing can help more people, it’s worth doing,” I founded the “Intersex, Transsexual and transgender people care association” (ISTSCare) to amplify the voices of our community.
I’ve always been someone who can’t stand injustice and feels compelled to take action. I’ve experienced firsthand the trauma of domestic violence due to my gender identity, confusion over scarce medical resources, helplessness in facing employment discrimination, loneliness from having no one to confide in, and even periods of self-harm. These painful experiences are common among transgender people, yet they also reveal our incredible resilience and bravery. Everyone deserves the opportunity to become who they truly want to be.
I don’t claim to have achieved monumental victories. On this long journey toward equal rights, we’ve come close to significant breakthroughs several times, only to see them slip away due to various circumstances. What I can do is commit myself fully to walking alongside each one of you.
Over these years, more and more transgender individuals have courageously stepped into the light, sharing our authentic selves and stories with the world. I’m deeply grateful to every one of you who has opened up to your friends and family. Your visibility changes perceptions and makes the world a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
At the same time, I know there are many still hesitant to begin their transition journeys, fearing rejection or the difficulties of coming out. This hesitation isn’t your fault; it’s society’s. Together, we must continue our efforts to create a world where everyone is free to become themselves.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed significant setbacks in transgender rights globally, along with worsening mental health conditions among transgender people in Taiwan. Whether you’re at the center of public attention, quietly living your life, or still closeted, rising anti-trans sentiments affect us all deeply. Although we can’t predict the future, we still have each other’s support and companionship at this very moment.
If there’s anything I can help with, please reach out to me. Even if my abilities are limited, I’ll do everything I can to connect you with the resources you need.
Thank you to everyone who courageously shares your truth—whether with family, friends, classmates, or colleagues. Your bravery matters greatly.
I won’t tell you to “hang in there.” It’s not us who need encouragement—it’s the world.