The City of Orlando Raises Transgender Pride Flag In Honor of The International Transgender Day of Visibility

The City of Orlando Raises Transgender Pride Flag In Honor of The International Transgender Day of Visibility

The City also issued a proclamation and will light Lake Eola Fountain in trans colors in celebration

ORLANDO, FL - Today, Equality Florida joins the City of Orlando in celebrating the International Transgender Day of Visibility. The Trans Day of Visibility, held annually on March 31, is a time to celebrate transgender and nonbinary people around the globe and acknowledge the courage it takes to live openly and authentically. The City of Orlando raised the transgender pride flag at City Hall this morning, for the first time in its history, and issued a proclamation in honor of the Trans Day of Visibility. The Lake Eola Fountain will also be lit in the trans colors in celebration the evening of March 31st.

WHAT: International Transgender Day of Visibility WHEN: Wednesday, March 31, 2021
WHERE: City of Orlando
WHY: As we celebrate the International Transgender Day of Visibility, and the progress achieved by Florida's most at-risk community, we acknowledge there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone, no matter their gender identity, gender expression or transgender status, can live a safe, fulfilled and authentic life.

“In our community, we are working each day to make Orlando a city where every voice, experience and identity is cherished and respected,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Trans rights are human rights and on this day, we celebrate the immense contributions of the transgender community in Orlando. The transgender community still faces violence and discrimination; it takes all of us to create a world where their courage to live authentically is met with love instead of resistance. The City of Orlando remains committed to making our city even more welcoming and inclusive and a place where every resident feels equally valued and protected and has equitable access to opportunities.”

“At a time when state lawmakers are attempting to ban transgender youth from participating in school sports with their friends, we are so excited to see the City of Orlando and Mayor Buddy Dyer celebrate the transgender community in this way,” said Gina Duncan, Equality Florida's Director of Transgender Equality. “Transgender and nonbinary Floridians still face disproportionate cultural, legal and economic challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. But the community continues to step out of the shadows to be heard and seen, and demand a seat at the table.”

At Equality Florida's Transgender inclusion initiative, TransAction Florida, we believe that visibility is vital to increased awareness, and that awareness leads to a greater understanding of the broad spectrum of gender diversity in society today.

“Florida's transgender community leaders of all colors, backgrounds and races continue to push forward for a world in which the trans and nonbinary community is treated with dignity and respect. Where all Floridians can live an open and authentic life, free from bias, discrimination and violence," added Duncan.