Trans+ History Week returns for its second year this week (5-11 May) with a campaign designed to spotlight that Trans+ people have ‘always been here, and always will be.’

Trans+ History Week looks to surface the overlooked, erased and untold histories of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse and intersex people. The week aims not only to educate the public as well as empower Trans+ people to reclaim a legacy that has too often been denied.

Throughout the week, a creative campaign titled ‘Always Been Here’, is sharing Trans+ history in major UK cities including Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Coventry, Newcastle and London, with standout placements including Boxpark Wembley and Westfield. 

A series of creative executions boldly and unapologetically bring Trans+ history into the public domain to showcase that Trans+ people have been important innovators and world-changers throughout history. 

“Making our history visible is a radical act,” said Marty Davies (she/they), Founder & CEO of Trans+ History Week CIC and founder of Smarty Pants Consultancy. She continued:  “For so long, our stories have been hidden or distorted. This campaign changes that.”

Striking visuals are paired with educational statements to educate the public and underline that Trans+ people have ‘Always Been Here’.

The campaign was developed by a team of volunteers and allies through an inclusive, collaborative creative process led by Smarty Pants Consultancy and Uncharted Studio. The team tapped into The Diversity Standards Collective to conduct qualitative research with 100 of the Trans+ community from across the UK to help steer the creative development and refine the messaging. 

“This campaign showed real care in getting it right, and we were proud to support that through UK-wide input from our Trans+ community. Our Community Creative Check gave the team clear, nuanced guidance and the confidence that their work was backed by the very people it aimed to represent,” says Rich Miles (he/him), CEO, The Diversity Standards Collective.

Running from May 5–11 the campaign aims to challenge harmful narratives and honour Trans+ history, presence and resistance.

Trans+ History Week will run until 11th May. A wider programme of events, podcasts, features, and the Trans+ History Workbook aim to educate and empower Trans+ people. To find out more, please click here.