The Boston City Council passed a resolution in a 12-0 vote commemorating Transgender Day of Visibility for the first time in the body’s history at its meeting on Wednesday, March 27. 

Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on March 31. According to the Human Rights Campaign, the day is to “celebrate the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere by elevating voices and experiences from these communities.”

The resolution was sponsored by Councilors Sharon Durkan and Gabriela Coletta, in addition to Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. 

In part, the resolution reads, “The Boston City Council and all residents, join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our nation and working toward eliminating violence and discrimination against all transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people.”

“[Transgender Day of Visibility] is a day to amplify the voices that have too often been silenced and overlooked to challenge stereotypes and to foster empathy and acceptance,” Durkan said. 

Representatives from LGBTQIA+ organizations such as Namesake, Fenway Health, The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, Bagly, and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement were in attendance. 

The Namesake Collaborative is an organization that helps “the trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive community navigate the legal name and gender marker change process in Massachusetts,” said Luke Lennon, the founder of Namesake. “Identity is our right, and we are

working collaboratively across the state to help people navigate that process and take autonomy over their identities.”  

Cheryl Katon, the vice president of Resource Development and Donor Engagement at Fenway Health, noted how the organization is the largest provider of gender-affirming care in New England. 

“We have over 5,000 trans and non-binary patients,” said Katon. “I am honored to represent all of those patients, doctors, and researchers who make sure that trans and non-binary folks are included in their LGBTQIA+ resources and research.” 

Grace Sterling Stowell, executive director of Bagly (The Boston Alliance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Youth), emphasized that amidst discriminatory laws being enacted throughout the country, it is important that folks stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

“It is so important with what’s going on nationally and in the state that we stand in solidarity with trans and non-binary communities,” said Sterling Stowell. “I would also be remiss if I did not mention that it was over 20 years ago that I was here with other trans advocates as the city council added gender identity and expression to the city’s non-discrimination law.” 

Giselle Byrd, executive director of the Theater Offensive, is the first Black trans woman in the United States to lead a major theater company. Reflecting on this milestone, Byrd called it “revolutionary.” 

“While Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution, we are creating our own [revolution today],” said Byrd. “It starts with us and ends with us.” 

Kelsey Grunstra serves as the deputy director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, the oldest trans advocacy organization in the United States. 

“We are so grateful to have you all here to recognize the importance of our movement and the sanctity and beauty of trans and non-binary lives,” said Grunstra. 

State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) reaffirmed that there is a lot to be proud of, but also more work to be done in protecting trans and non-binary folks. 

“The Massachusetts State Legislature led the nation in enshrining access to gender-affirming care as a civil right that is protected by the Constitution of Massachusetts,” said Cyr. “We’ve for a whole host of other work to do.” 

Jullieanne Doherty Lee, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Advancement, read an excerpt from “Thank You My Allies,” a poem by Keath Silva, a transgender advocate from Hood River, Oregon. 

“When you call me by the name and pronouns I adore, you give me … a nourishing sense of safety and belonging,” said Lee. “When you call me by the name and pronouns I adore, you give me wellness, welcome, and home.” 

District 9 City Councilor Liz Breadon, the first openly LGBTQIA+ woman elected to the city council, noted that advocates stand on the shoulders of many activists who came before them. 

“This day of visibility in March is to celebrate the joys, strength, and resilience of our trans and non-binary community members,” said Breadon. “We celebrate the gifts and contributions of our trans and non-binary siblings.” 

Kara Albrecht, a District 9 resident and Emerson graduate, noted that she came out last year and has been embraced, supported, and accepted by so many people around her. 

“In the words of one of my favorite artists, Taylor Swift, ‘I will continue to live my life head first in my best dress, fearless,’” said Albrecht. 

Louijeune noted that visibility is about creating space for individuals to celebrate their unique identities. 

“Today is about visibility. It is about being seen and making sure that we are creating space for all of you,” said Louijeune.

Coletta celebrated the work of Jack Imbergamo, a North End resident who is a co-founder of the Queer Neighborhood Council, an organization dedicated to visibility, access, and advocacy for Boston’s LGBTQIA+ and ally community. 

“What Jack shows us is that you are loved, you are accepted, and you can be a leader in your community no matter who you are or how you identify,” said Coletta. 

Imbergamo, who is a parent to two young children, emphasized that visibility matters. 

“My visibility matters because I want [my children] to know that they can be themselves in this world,” said Imbergamo. “We exist, we’re here, and we’re real.”