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Lakewood holds swearing-in for new councilors and proclaims Transgender Awareness Month
Summary
The council administered oaths to newly elected and re-elected councilors and read a proclamation recognizing November as Transgender Awareness Month, honoring the memory of transgender victims of violence including local activist Jax Graton.
The Lakewood City Council administered oaths of office to newly elected and re-elected councilors and presented a proclamation designating November as Transgender Awareness Month during its Nov. 24 meeting.
A judge administered the oath and each councilor repeated the oath to support the U.S. and Colorado constitutions, the City Charter and ordinances, and to faithfully perform the duties of office. The transcript records the names spoken while being sworn, including statements such as "I, Liz Black, do swear or affirm" and similar sworn affirmations for other council members.
Earlier in the evening, the council read a formal proclamation recognizing Transgender Awareness Month and describing Transgender Day of Remembrance’s origins in 1999, memorializing local and national transgender lives lost to violence and urging the community to foster acceptance. The proclamation explicitly named Jax Graton as a cherished member of the Denver metro community and stated the City of Lakewood supports transgender and gender-diverse residents.
Speakers — both council members and several community members invited to comment — followed the proclamation with personal remembrances of Jax and calls to action. The mayor’s office and mayor pro tem led the presentation; councilors and staff offered brief tributes and thanks to the outgoing council member(s) and welcomed newly sworn members.
