Popular children’s television channel Nickelodeon celebrated “International Transgender Day of Visibility” on Thursday with multiple videos promoting gender transitioning, particularly in children. The network highlighted the story of a transgender child named Rebekah who discussed growing up in the LGBT community.
“Rebekah truly is an inspiration,” the network’s Twitter account posted early Thursday. “We stand with all kids and their families today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, and every day.”
In the video, TIME and Nickelodeon Kid of the Year 2021 finalist Rebekah Bruesehoff, a male child who identifies as a girl, tells viewers, “Trans kids are so much more than their gender identity, and it’s so important for people to listen to kids.”
“Growing up in the LGBTQ+ community has given me a different perspective on how I see the world.”
In a longer version of the testimonial, it is revealed that Bruesehoff began identifying as a girl at 8 years old.
In another tweet Thursday, Nickelodeon highlighted transgender cast member Michael D. Cohen, a female who identifies as a man, who plays Schwoz Schwartz in shows such as Henry Danger and Danger Force.
Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility 🏳️⚧️ Join us in celebrating people of trans experience by making the world a safer & more equal place for everyone to be fully themselves. Check out @glaad and @GLSEN to find out how to become better trans allies! pic.twitter.com/6h7WjudpTi
— Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) March 31, 2021
“It’s really important to celebrate International Trans Day of Visibility because the more that the world understands, is aware of, and supports people of trans experience, the more empowered this community will be to have our rights and to have what we deserve and to be equal like everybody else,” Cohen tells the viewers, who are primarily children.
“I’m proud to be a part of the trans community because we are united by a common pursuit of our own personal truth. There are most likely people of trans experience in your school, your community, friends, family.”
Cohen further encourages viewers to “be true to yourself as you are. You’re really important. Don’t compromise, and believe in your dreams. Know that you have people like myself and other people in this community that are behind you, that support you, and believe in you.”
Annually, Nickelodeon hosts the Kids’ Choice Awards, famous for dousing winners, nominees, and presenters with green slime.
Nickelodeon did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
President Joe Biden similarly commemorated the day Thursday and condemned “dangerous anti-transgender legislative attacks” in states across the country. According to him, the attacks hurt “the well-being and mental health” of transgender individuals and their families.
The State Department also announced Thursday that it will allow U.S. citizens to mark “X” as their gender on passports beginning in April. According to the White House, the option will also be available at several other departments and agencies.
*story by The Washington Examiner
