At their Wednesday, March 20 meeting, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution proclaiming April 1, 2019 as ‘Transgender Day of Visibility in Washtenaw County’. This resolution affirms the County’s commitment to a diverse and welcoming community that treats every individual with dignity and respect, as well as protects all from discrimination or harm. This is the second year the Commissioners are recognizing this important day, which serves to bring equal rights and protections to all who reside here, and on a day which was created in 2009 by Michigan native and transgender activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker.
“I’m so proud that we are standing with our transgender friends, neighbors and residents to bring awareness in Washtenaw County’, states Board of Commissioner Chairman Jason Morgan, ‘every single person in Washtenaw County provides value and makes our community a better place, and each of us deserves to be afforded equal rights. The Jim Toy Center here in Ann Arbor is an incredible advocate of LGBTQ individuals and their rights, their partnership on this and other issues affecting our transgender neighbors, and I thank them for their continued leadership to help effect legislative changes and protection, for all members of our community.”
District 9 Washtenaw County Commissioner Katie Scott and Chair of the Ways & Means Committee adds, “Coming together to raise the transgender flag in solidarity on April 1 is a testament to our core values, and recognizing those among us who have not yet been provided protection under federal or state law is absolutely the right thing to do.”
Travis Radina, President of the Jim Toy Community Center in Ann Arbor expressed appreciation for the progress the Board of Commissioners is making on this issue, “I'm incredibly grateful to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for officially recognizing International Transgender Day of Visibility -- especially at a time when members of the trans community have, too often, found themselves unjustly targeted by federal officials seeking to limit or deny their fundamental human rights. By flying a transgender pride flag and celebrating our vibrant and diverse local transgender community, Washtenaw County is sending a strong message that all residents, regardless of gender identity or expression, are welcome, loved and valued in our community."
Although this important day is traditionally observed on March 31 of each year, Washtenaw County’s celebration of the Transgender Day of Visibility will occur on Monday, April 1, 2019 at the County Administration Building, 220 N. Main. A reception will begin in the lobby of the building at 8:00 a.m., with the flag raising ceremony being conducted at 8:30. All are welcomed to attend. Click here for the press release on a resolution passed on March 20, 2019 by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility in Washtenaw County.