285-2023

Proclamation

Proclaim March 31, 2023 to be Transgender Day of Visibility

Placed on File

Whereas, Transgender, Transmasculine, Transfeminine, Non-binary, Genderqueer, Genderfluid, Two spirit, Agender, and gender non-conforming people have always existed and made important contributions to their communities; and

Whereas, Transphobic cultures, including that of the United States, continue to suppress the existence and contributions of transgender and gender non-conforming people; and

Whereas, Transphobia requires disparities negatively affecting transgender and gender non- conforming people in health, housing, employment, and all major aspects of life; and

Whereas, white supremacy, ableism, anti-Blackness, misogyny and Transphobia are interconnected and depend on the continued violence against Black, Indigenous, and other people of color who are transgender or gender non-conforming, particularly Black transgender women; and

Whereas, houselessness- and housing-services providers consistently fail to provide safe, welcoming, and knowledgeable support for Transgender and gender non-conforming people experiencing houselessness; and

Whereas, among cities in the United States, Portland is home to the second-largest percentage of LGBTQ+ people per capita, including transgender and gender non-conforming people; and

Whereas, the City of Portland strives to make our community safe and empowering for its Transgender and gender non-conforming residents; and

Whereas, the City has not yet succeeded in this endeavor; and

Whereas, visibility for Transgender people is complex and nuanced and should not be a precondition for justice; and

Whereas, Transgender Day of Visibility is an opportunity for the Portland City Council and the city as a whole to recommit to partnering with the community to address our challenges and investing in City infrastructure that furthers this work.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim March 31, 2023 to be:

Transgender Day of Visibility

In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this day.

Agenda Items

285 Regular Agenda in April 12, 2023 Council Agenda

Placed on File

Contact

Lex Jakusovszky

Senior LGBTQIA2S+ Policy Analyst

Requested Agenda Type

Regular

Date and Time Information

Requested Council Date
Time Requested
20 minutes