Philly Hoists The Colors For Trans Day Of Visibility
As the annual Trans Day Of Visibility on March 31 draws near, raising awareness of the transgender/gender-non-conforming community and commemorating those who have lost their lives to transphobic attacks, city officials, Our Way, the Trans Equity Project and trans rights advocates in Philadelphia, PA gathered in front of City Hall to raise the Transgender Flag high above the historic Center City structure. The lunch-hour ceremony, which was presided over by Amber Hikes, Philadelphia’s Executive Director of LGBTQ Affairs in the Mayor’s office, featured transgender activists and notables reaffirming their right to live in their truth, and defy the growing undercurrents of homo- and transphobia advancing across our country like a thunderous wave. Hikes, who recently returned home from London, where she addressed a session of Parliament on LGBTQ issues, kicked things off by leading the crowd in a chorus of “trans rights are human rights!”, while elaborating on the importance of recognizing the transgender community in an official and symbolic way.
The swift changes in the social climate towards trans individuals in recent years is highlighted by the passage of anti-trans laws in several states, and the coming, summary dismissal of thousands of trans troops from the military on April 12, concordant with President Trump’s orders, illuminates the challenges faced by those who live in their authentic gender identity. The increasing rate of transgender murders in America places the need for trans visibility, and equality, in stark relief. The presence of such bigotry isn’t just limited to conservative straight people, as one speaker in today’s ceremony discovered, to her dismay, when a reportedly gay man began heckling transgender City Council candidate Deja Lynn Alvarez, loudly ridiculing her name and gender identity. Alvarez responded eloquently and forcefully, noting that “No one has the right to ‘deadname’ me or deny who I am”, to vigorous applause from the spectators.
A proclamation honoring Trans Day Of Visibility and reaffirming the city’s commitment to all its LGBTQ citizens, was awarded, and the flag was raised to fly alongside Old Glory and the Philadelphia city ensign, as the attendees cheered their enthusiastic support. Hikes noted that the tricolor flag will fly on the north side of City Hall until April 5. The mayor’s aide added, “the city of Philadelphia welcomes the trans community with open arms!”
