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Resident criticizes council for denying Trans Day of Visibility proclamation; council hears related comments about inclusive recognition
Summary
A Battleground resident told the council that a request for a Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation was denied and urged the council to recognize transgender residents; a second speaker said proclamations had meaningful effects of inclusion after she saw her group recognized.
During the citizen comment period, Simon, who identified himself as a Battleground resident, criticized the council for denying a request for a Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation. "I requested a proclamation recognizing transgender day of visibility, and it was denied," he said, urging the council to consider how nonrecognition contributes to stigma and danger for transgender people.
Simon described legal protections for transgender people under Washington law and warned that ignoring the community makes it easier for harmful rhetoric and policies to take hold. The mayor thanked Simon for speaking.
Jessica Cole followed, saying she appreciated recent proclamations that had acknowledged groups she belonged to and that those recognitions "created a sense of belonging." Cole said it was therefore disheartening that transgender residents would not receive similar recognition and asked the council to reflect on the message that sends to members of the community.
The council did not take immediate action in response to the comments; the public-comment period closed after other speakers and the meeting proceeded to the consent agenda.
