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Bronx, New York – On April 1st, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Bronx LGBTQIA+ leaders and her Bronx LGBTQIA+ Task Force to host the Bronx’s first Transgender Day of Visibility flag raising in front of Bronx Borough Hall at 158th Street and the Grand Concourse. Officially proclaimed by President Joe Biden on March 31st, 2021, Transgender Day of Visibility was created in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall of Michigan to address the lack of visibility for transgender people. In 2014, the day was observed by activists around the world, and in 2015, a social media campaign was launched where transgender people posted their personal stories while promoting the need for new laws to protect and empower the LGBTQIA+ community.
Before the flag raising, transgender activists gathered at Bronx Borough Hall to speak on the importance of trans visibility and representation in the Bronx as well as recent policies targeting the trans community in city and state government.
“During today’s event, we are lifting up the voices and lived experiences of our trans community in the Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “We support visibility but we must also center the voices of those who are on the frontlines fighting for our TGNC community. Today’s flag raising is a demonstration of solidarity with our trans community and that our borough is inclusive and stands against hate.”
“Visibility isn’t just about acknowledging our presence; it means actively listening to our needs and ensuring we can live authentically without fear,” said founder and Executive Director of Destination Tomorrow, Sean Coleman. “Achieving true visibility and representation for our Transgender siblings requires a collective effort–a commitment from our leaders and allies to recognize all necessary steps to fully uplift our voices and experiences.”
“The Commission is charged with enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law, one of the broadest civil rights laws in the nation,” said Associate Human Rights Specialist and Transgender Communities Liaison for the New York City Commission on Human Rights, Tabytha Gonzalez. “This law prohibits discrimination based on over 25 protected categories such as gender, gender identity, sexuality, race, and age. In the wake of CEC2 resolution this is yet another example of how trans people are constantly being scrutinized and questioned which is why the city’s Human Rights Law has strong and clear protections against discrimination, harassment, and bias based on gender expression and gender identity at work, in housing, and in public spaces. We know that visibility is important because for far too long we had to hide who we are and live our lives in the shadows. The Commission on Human Rights wants to see you. We want to see all New Yorkers of all identities thrive here.”
“‘A diamond is a just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well’ is an adage that describes the struggle our TGNCNB community face each day in the fight for civil and human rights,” said Kim Watson-Benjamin, LGBTQIA+ and Health Coordinator for the Office of Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, who added, “I am not below you, I am right here with you in the fight to pave the way.”
During the ceremony, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson presented a Proclamation declaring April 1st, 2024, Transgender Day of Visibility in the Borough of the Bronx.