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Witness says LGBTQ+ community members are now serving their communities and shaping policy
Summary
A witness at a public meeting testified that LGBTQ+ people who once faced exclusion are now providing services to their communities and helping shape policies that affirm trans and queer men, and credited family and faith for support.
At a public meeting, a witness described how members of LGBTQ+ communities who once faced doubt and exclusion are now serving their own communities and influencing policy.
The witness said these community members bring lived experience to roles in service delivery and advocacy, arguing that representation changes how programs and policies are designed. "These are people that have walked the walk and are now serving the very same community that they never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that that girl would be testifying before elected officials," the witness said, adding that their presence helps shape efforts "that affirm trans and queer men."
The witness also credited personal support in their journey: "It was my god and my family that was there to support me," they said. The speaker contrasted past expectations that LGBTQ+ people should "wait your turn" with the current reality of appearing before elected officials and participating in policy discussions.
The testimony included references to the work, numbers and services provided by community organizations but did not specify figures or program names in the portion of the transcript provided. No formal votes or actions are recorded in the transcript excerpt.
