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Madison proclaims March 31, 2025, Transgender Day of Visibility; Mercury Stardust accepts proclamation
Summary
The Common Council unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility for March 31, 2025. Mercury Stardust accepted the proclamation and speakers recounted local history and harms faced by transgender people in Madison.
The City of Madison Common Council adopted a proclamation declaring March 31, 2025, Transgender Day of Visibility in the city and expressing the city’s commitment to supporting transgender and gender-nonconforming residents.
Alder Martinez Rutherford introduced the proclamation and described national and local context referenced in the document, including historical events and local losses the text cites. The resolution named local figures and incidents discussed in the proclamation and encouraged residents to resist discrimination.
Madison performer Mercury Stardust accepted the proclamation and described visibility as “a double-edged sword,” saying that for many transgender people visibility carries risk. Stardust told the council that she travels widely to promote “DIY, compassionate care” and noted fundraising work she has done for gender-affirming services. Cass Downing of District 18 also spoke in support, recounting the role of local venues and activists and naming Felicia Melton Smith as a long-time community fundraiser who was mentioned in the proclamation.
Council members thanked the speakers and the sponsor. The council recorded an enthusiastic honoring vote in favor of the proclamation.
The proclamation text, as read into the record, references national advocacy history, local LGBTQIA+ organizations and events, and local individuals named in the body of the resolution. The council made no changes to the proclamation language during the meeting.
