Essex County commissioners proclaim Trans Day of Visibility; community leaders urge continued support

Commissioner Seibold introduced a resolution recognizing Trans Day of Visibility and invited community leaders to speak about the county’s role in supporting transgender and non-binary residents. "This is an important occasion to lift up trans and nonbinary joy, history, acceptance and resilience," Seibold said as the board moved the resolution by acclamation.

Reggie Bledsoe, identified in the meeting as head of the Essex LGBTQ advisory board, commended the commission for "stepping up" and said county leadership sets a tone "for the rest of the state and the rest of the country." Imani Hayes, a Hyacinth board member and program manager at Project TEA, described the recognition as meaningful and urged continued community engagement. Kathy Ahern O'Brien, executive director of the Hyacinth Foundation and co-chair of the Essex County LGBTQ Advisory Board, thanked commissioners for the board’s support and for the advisory board’s partnership.

Commissioner Mary Thomas, Vice President Cooper and others praised the resolution and noted the county’s ongoing work to support LGBTQ residents; the board prepared a ceremonial photo and agreed to enter the item by acclamation. Commissioners emphasized solidarity in the face of recent national debates affecting transgender and non-binary communities.

What happens next: the board’s proclamation will be recorded in the minutes and county staff said they will coordinate ceremonial and outreach activities with the advisory board and partner organizations.

Speakers quoted: "We will not abandon our trans friends, family and neighbors," Commissioner Seibold said in presenting the resolution. "You're setting a tone for the rest of the state and the rest of this country," Reggie Bledsoe said of county leadership.