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Lakewood council adopts resolution declaring March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility after lengthy remarks and public testimony
Summary
City Council adopted a resolution recognizing March 31, 2025, as Transgender Day of Visibility. Council members and more than a half-dozen residents and nonprofit representatives spoke in favor; the measure passed by voice vote with no dissent recorded.
City Council on March 18 adopted a resolution declaring March 31, 2025, Transgender Day of Visibility in Lakewood, affirming support for transgender residents and drawing attention to threats the community faces.
Council President Keppel moved to adopt the resolution and Vice President Baker seconded; the council voted by voice and the motion passed, with no dissent recorded.
The resolution drew extended remarks from council members and numerous members of the public. Councilman Hamilton Steiner said he supported the measure but called it “the minimum we can do,” and criticized state and national efforts he described as targeting transgender people. “This is cruel, inhumane, discriminatory, and unjust,” Steiner said, adding that he would “continue to fight back against legislation that is harmful to the community.”
Council member Schubick, a co-sponsor of the resolution, described the observance as “a celebration of beauty, life, and love,” and thanked the city’s transgender residents for their contributions. Councilman Marks and Vice President Baker also spoke in favor, each saying Lakewood should be a safe and welcoming place for transgender people.
Several residents and nonprofit leaders testified in support during the public-comment portion. Tom Knoll, a longtime resident, said, “I appreciate the diversity that is Lakewood and its schools,” and urged the council to publicize the resolution broadly. Colleen Cronin, representing Colors Plus Youth Center, described her group’s work serving LGBTQIA+ youth and thanked the city for partnering on after-school programming. John Papau shared a personal account about his younger brother, a transgender man, saying the family saw marked improvements in his well-being after he was able to live openly.
Laura Rodriguez Caban, speaking for the Lakewood Anti-Racism Task Force, called the resolution “a clear statement that Lakewood stands for justice, inclusion, and human dignity,” and said visibility is “not just about recognition. It’s about survival.” Council members also referenced national and out-of-state court developments noted during remarks; the council record includes speakers’ references to an Ohio appeals-court decision concerning transgender health care and to an injunction affecting a federal policy on military service, which were cited to illustrate the broader legal context.
Council President Keppel invited supporters and council members to a photograph after the vote. The resolution will be filed with the city clerk and publicized by the administration as the council directed during the meeting.
