U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz led a group of 26 Democratic colleagues on Friday in introducing a solution to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 while representing the state with the highest proportion of trans people.
Transgender activist Rachel Crandall introduced the title in 2009 to honor transgender people and raise awareness of the prejudice that the transgender community faces..
“International Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the transgender community around the world — their successes, their confidence, and their right to live boldly and authentically”, Schatz said. True celebration of them also entails raising awareness of the prejudice and violence they continue to face, as well as reaffirming our dedication to fighting any and all attacks. While we’ve made improvement over the years, thanks to the courage of some transgender officials, the job for complete equality, understanding and civil rights protections continues”.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, D- Hawaii, said the occasion was an opportunity to reconfirm commitment to helping ensure that all people, irrespective of their identity, can “feel healthy and live widely with dignity and respect”.
According to Hirono, “no one should have to live in fear of just being their authentic self.” I will continue fighting to end hate and bring justice to the LGBTQ+ community at a time when transgender people continue to face discrimination and violence.
State House Speaker Scott Saiki also stated on Friday that the chamber “continues to support and recognize the resilience of transgender individuals and communities every day, and we are committed to making sure the Capitol remains an inclusive and safe place for all.”
State Rep. Adrian Tam, co- convenor of the Legislature’s Equality Caucus, added: “As we approach March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility, I stand with pride alongside fellow members of the House who consistently affirm, embrace, and support transgender folks in our communities. Let’s applaud their accomplishments while also recognizing that there is still a lot more work to be done to ensure equality in our state. We appoint our continued support for the transgender community as we stand up for equality as allies.”
Honolulu Hale will be illuminated pink from Thursday night until Friday morning, according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s order prior to Sunday’s event.
0.78 percent of Hawaii’s population identified as transgender, according to a 2016 survey conducted by the UCLA law school’s Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy.
