The transgender community, by absorbing the brunt of current conservative backlash, is protecting the broader LGBTQ culture from a return to the closet. Every time a trans person fights for a bathroom, they are fighting for the right of a gay couple to hold hands in public without fear.
Transgender culture has gifted the broader world a more precise vocabulary for the human experience. Concepts like (who you are) versus sexual orientation (who you love) became mainstream largely through the advocacy of the trans community.
You can explore the evolution of these rights through resources like the University of San Diego Law Library which details major legal developments. Cultural Contributions
The transgender community is a vital and dynamic part of the broader LGBTQ culture. Transgender individuals face unique challenges and experiences, including: