Santa Clara proclaims August “Transgender History Month”
Santa Clara is taking a new step forward!
According to the official government website, the city is declaring August “Transgender History Month.”
The idea behind the proclamation is to help uplift, advocate for, and support the transgender community.
Considering the sheer number of targeted legislation and other attacks in recent months…
It’s a positive step for inclusion and advocacy.
Santa Clara’s Proclamation reads:
The City of Santa Clara continues to promote the rights and support the ongoing efforts of LGBTQIA+ and transgender people to eliminate discrimination and violence faced by all individuals; and shed more visibility on transgender advocacy from the past, present, and future…
Santa Clara recognizes LGBTQ+ History
Within the proclamation, the city recognizes Compton’s Cafeteria Riots in 1966 as a catalyst for early LGBTQIA+ activism in the US.
The City of Santa Clara affirms our commitment to stand with transgender individuals who continue to face discrimination, harassment, and barriers to opportunity, and … honor transgender individuals and leaders who are continuing the fight for human rights for freedom, equality, dignity, and respect.
Sara Fernando, all around amazing human and manager of the County of Santa Clara’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, accepted the proclamation via video call.
Recognizing Trans Activism in the US
The move follows a similar proclamation in San Francisco earlier this month.
San Francisco is home to The Transgender District, the very first legally-recognized district within the Tenderloin dedicated to the trans, non-binary, and intersex communities.
In SF’s own proclamation, The Transgender District’s Aria Sai’d is quoted:
It is time to acknowledge that trans history is universal history – in which transgender figures, activism, and political thought have propelled our society forward by centering civil liberties and social justice for a more equitable world.
Indeed, trans activists such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were instrumental in the formation of the very first pride marches.
Pau Crego, Executive Director for the Office of Transgender Initiatives is quoted in the San Francisco Proclamation:
We would not be here today without the fierce advocacy of our elders; and, as trans people, we continue to make history every day on account of our very existence
Happy Silicon Valley Pride Month!
