The Transgender Day of Visibility was observed by Evesham council in part to bring attention to the discrimination faced by transgender people.
Evesham Township council recognized Transgender Day of Visibility with a proclamation at its recent meeting.
The annual event – observed around the world on March 31 – was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall, head of Transgender Michigan, to celebrate transgender people but also acknowledge that due to discrimination, not all of them can or want to be visible.
Legislation that would negatively impact trans and gender non-conforming people continues to be introduced across the country. Some measures would block trans people from receiving basic health care, education, legal recognition and the right to publicly exist.
“(The proclamation) was requested and it’s something I’m very proud to do,” Evesham Mayor Jackie Veasy noted of council’s transgender recognition.
Veasy invited Melissa Firstenberg, a longtime Marlton resident who is transgender, to address the proclamation before the mayor read it into the township record.
“This is a meaningful statement to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility, given all that that is currently going on in the federal government, state houses around the country, even in other municipalities here in New Jersey,” Firstenberg explained.
“(The proclamation) demonstrates clearly that Evesham Township believes in freedom for everyone.”
Transgender Day of Visibility is also celebrated around the world to recognize and center the voices and contributions of transgender, two-spirit and non-binary intersex individuals.
“Not only does this day recognize the generations of struggle, activism and courage of transgender citizens who strive for equality,” the mayor read from the proclamation, “but it also recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of our fellow citizens and increases awareness of the work that still needs to be done to address anti-transgender violence, civil-rights barriers and discrimination.
“Our transgender and gender diverse community members deserve inclusivity, respect and a safe place to thrive,” the document added. “The role of our representatives and members of this community (is) to do their part to make this a reality and ensure the transgender community of freedoms that fellow Americans enjoy.”
During remarks at the meeting, Councilwoman Heather Cooper addressed Firstenberg.
“Thank you Melissa for bringing (Transgender Day of Visibility) to our attention and reminding us of the climate we’re in today,” Cooper said. “We are, as elected officials, committed to serve all citizens impartially. Despite what people may create in terms of opinions, there are remarkable contributions made (by transgender people).
“There is a resilience when it comes to people who choose to be transgender,” she added, “who put forth who they are, their best selves, their fabulous selves. Thank you for that.”
