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San Joaquin County proclaims March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility amid public remarks
Summary
The Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing March 31, 2025, as Transgender Day of Visibility and heard remarks from local advocacy groups and residents urging support and safety for transgender people.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on March 25 issued a proclamation recognizing March 31, 2025, as Transgender Day of Visibility and heard multiple speakers from local transgender advocacy organizations and residents urging understanding and safety for transgender people.
The proclamation text read that San Joaquin County “values diversity, inclusivity, and the well-being of all residents,” and encouraged residents to “celebrate, support and uplift our transgender community members.” The board presented the proclamation to local advocates including Christopher Bunnell, director of administration and development at the San Joaquin Pride Center, and James Patnaude, who identified himself as a transgender advocacy specialist and spoke about rising state and national legislative attacks on transgender people.
Bunnell told the board that the proclamation “means more than words on a page” and “tells transgender people here in this county that they are seen, that they are valued, and that they belong.” Patnaude noted the volume of state-level bills targeting transgender rights and called local recognition “an incredible step” toward safety and acceptance.
Other speakers representing local organizations — including Tracy Pride, Central Valley Gender Health and Wellness and the San Joaquin Pride Center — thanked the board for recognizing the day and described how visibility and local supports matter for youth, adults and families.
During the public-comment period several residents also addressed the board. Some speakers thanked supervisors for the proclamation and described personal concerns about national and state proposals affecting transgender people; others read poetry or described the importance of public recognition for community members.
The board did not take additional policy action on the item; the proclamation is symbolic recognition of the date and was presented during the recognitions and presentations portion of the agenda.
