To mark Trans Day of Visibility (31 March 2025), we would like to share a poem written by a member of the LGBT+ Staff Network. Whilst the author has chosen to remain anonymous, their writing provides a glimpse into their lived experience, offering readers time to reflect and resonate.

What do you see
When you look at me?

The polarising ‘epiphany’
Of leaders and tyrants
Sowing seeds of uncertainty?

They say I’m confused
How long is a phase?
They say I’m deluded
My truth is a lie

Touch down in a country
I thought I was stealth
They invited me here.
Now I’m ‘misrepresenting’ myself?

We see the distraction
Of course, we can see
The scandal and chaos
Like pirates at sea

Still, does what they say
Shape what you think about me?

I’m buying a coffee
Brush past on the train
Hold the door open
As you rush through the rain

So when we’re invisible
Why shouldn’t we be visible?
And when we are visible
Why should we hide?