International Transgender Day of Visibility. Polish law still discriminates

March 31 is the International Transgender Day of Visibility. "Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces," Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) said at its website.

"International TDOV was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall. Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, created TDOV in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence. She hoped to create a day where people could re-focus on celebrating the lives of transgender people, empowering them to live authentically, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible," GLAAD explained.

"This group of people is especially at risk of discrimination, and the Polish legal system still does not guarantee exercising their liberties and rights equally as other citizens," Poland's Commissioner for Human Rights said about transgender persons.

The commissioner added that "gender reassignment procedure should be fast, transparent, accessible, and ensure respect for physical integrity of a transgender person and their private life".

The ombudsperson also stressed that, despite legislative attempts and constant dedication of community organizations, Polish law still does not include provisions regulating gender reassignment.

At present, legal gender recognition is possible by bringing an action against one’s parents pursuant to article 189 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This solution was adopted in the 1990s and, according to the Commissioner for Human Rights, "remains very imperfect in terms of protection of human rights of transgender persons".