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Resident organizers plan Nov. 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance distribution outside City Hall
Summary
A Hartford resident, speaking at public comment, described local history tied to Rita Hester and invited the council and public to a Nov. 20 event distributing food, clothing and blankets for homeless people on Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Ephraim Adams, a Hartford resident and documentarian, told the City Council during public comment he will host an event outside City Hall from noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 20 for Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Adams discussed local history tied to Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman from the area who was killed in Boston in 1998 and whose death helped spark an annual observance. "Rita Hester... grew up in Dutch Point," Adams said, noting that the tragedy is part of a longer history activists mark each year.
Adams emphasized that symbolically raising a trans flag is important but insufficient without paired action. "Raising flags doesn't actually support or do anything unless you pair it with action," he said, and described the planned distribution of food, clothing and warm blankets for people experiencing homelessness on Nov. 20 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Adams displayed a flag combining traditional trans colors with black and brown elements to represent Black trans people; he said the flag has been raised at local historic and community sites. He said the group will proceed with the distribution and will not seek permission to do the outreach element of the observance.
The council did not take action; the remarks were made during public comment.
