March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement recognizing the International Transgender Day of Visibility:  

“The International Transgender Day of Visibility is an opportunity to recognize the courage of those who live openly and authentically, and to affirm the importance of respect, dignity and inclusion for people of all gender identities and expressions. Transgender and gender-diverse individuals are valued members of our community who contribute to the social, cultural and economic life of our city in many meaningful ways. 

"At the same time, we acknowledge that discrimination, misunderstanding and barriers to safety and opportunity remain a reality for many transgender people. Building a truly inclusive community requires ongoing learning, empathy and a commitment to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and supported. 

"On this day, I encourage residents to take time to show support for transgender and gender-diverse people in our community. By fostering understanding and standing against discrimination, we can help create a city where everyone is able to live openly, safely and with pride.” 

Resources: Government of Canada supports for 2SLGBTQI+ community organizations