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Hennepin County proclaims GRI Awareness Month and names March 31 Transgender Day of Visibility
Summary
The board adopted proclamations declaring March as GRI awareness month and March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility; commissioners emphasized support for families affected by rare disorders and for transgender residents amid national policy debates.
On March 17 the Hennepin County Board unanimously adopted two proclamations: one declaring March as GRI awareness month, recognizing families affected by rare neurogenetic disorders and encouraging research and support; and a second proclaiming March 31, 2026, as Transgender Day of Visibility in Hennepin County.
Commissioner Kevin Anderson, who introduced the GRI proclamation, said the proclamation "recognizes families who are living with rare neurogenetic disorders and affirms support for their advocacy and access to care." The proclamation text, read aloud by the clerk, listed common symptoms and noted biomedical research focused on relevant receptors and genes.
Chair Irene Fernando introduced the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation and framed it against a backdrop of national policy pressures affecting transgender and nonbinary people. "Hennepin County remains unwavering in our love and support and care for everyone who finds themselves in our geography, and especially our trans youth," Fernando said. The proclamation cites disproportionate risks the community faces, cites 2024 homicide statistics referenced in the text, and announced a county event on March 31.
Outcome: Both proclamations were adopted by voice vote with bipartisan support; the county will host a March 31 event featuring music and storytelling and illuminate selected bridges in recognition of the day.
