The transgender flag was raised for the first time in front of Bronx Borough Hall on April 1, marking a historic moment for the Bronx transgender community, and coinciding roughly with Transgender Day of Visibility, which is celebrated nationally each year on March 31. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson was joined by Bronx LGTBQIA+ leaders for the historic occasion in The Bronx.

 

Addressing those gathered at the Bronx flag-raising ceremony, Gibson said, “When we came into office over two years ago, we were very intentional and purposeful in making sure that we created an inclusive environment for all people.” She added, “This event marks the first time in our history that we are raising the flag at Borough Hall, symbolizing our commitment and our dedication to recognize, and celebrating our transgender and gender non-conforming community.”

 

Transgender Day of Visibility was originally created in 2009 by transgender activist, Rachel Crandall, as a way to address the lack of visibility of transgender people. In 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden officially proclaimed March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility. Last year, on the anniversary of the day, the president said in part, “I want every member of the trans community to know that we see you. You’re each made in the image of God, and deserve love, dignity, and respect. You make America stronger, and we’re with you.”

In addition to the first Bronx flag raising ceremony this year, Gibson announced that a key initiative of her office is set to return in the form of the LGBTQIA+ job and resource fair. The Office’s LGBTQIA+ task force advocates for policies which support the community and helps connect them with resources like where and how to obtain healthcare, as well as promoting employment opportunities for members of the community.

 

Advocates who work with members of the community have reported that LGBTQIA members do not always feel comfortable working in certain work environments due to feeling ostracised, and therefore, finding employment can often be a barrier to living a successful life. Community members do not always feel safe either. As reported, a Fordham Heights man was recently arrested for an LGBTQ+ hate crime and slashing in Manhattan on the A train on March 1.

 

Gibson continued, “It’s important because we know, in many of our communities, that we have some the highest rates of unemployment and we’ve been very adamant about working with the Department of Labor in holding job and career fairs.” She added, “We want to make sure that our LGBTQIA+ community is felt, loved, supported, and most importantly that they are engaged.

The borough president also made mention of another initiative the LGTBQIA+ task force has worked on, which is collaborating with local small businesses to create safe haven stickers signaling a “collective commitment to providing that welcoming environment that everyone deserves.”

 

The borough president continued, “It sends a powerful message here in our borough, one of support, of love, of compassion, of solidarity to our transgender and gender non-conforming residents, affirming everyone’s right to be authentically you.” Gibson added, “It is up to us to continue to magnify that to the greatest extent.”

 

According to the National Institute of Health, the transgender flag was created in 1999 by Monica Helms. She said the colors were deliberately chosen. “The light blue is the traditional color for baby boys [and] pink is [traditionally] for girls, and the white in the middle is for those who are transitioning, those who feel they have a neutral gender or no gender, and those who are intersexed.”

Meanwhile, Tabytha Gonzalez, human rights specialist for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, said, “Visibility without purpose is problematic. Visibility without safety is problematic. So we need to access these spaces so we can be the lead in how show up in the world because our visibility costs and our visibility matters.”

 

As reported, an anti-hate photo exhibit at Hostos Community College is telling, over the next few years, the stories of communities like the LGBTQIA+ community who are sometimes marginalized for one reason or another and can be the victims of hate crimes. According to the latest statistics provided by the NYPD, citywide hate crimes in March 2024 based on sexual orientation are up 200% compared to March 2023.

Sean Coleman, executive director of Destination Tomorrow, the Bronx’s designated LGBTQ+ center, said of the occasion, “Visibility isn’t just about acknowledging our presence, it means actively listening to our needs and ensuring that we can live authentically without fear.” Coleman continued, “It means showing up for us in ways that are intentional, yet shying away from performative acts. Achieving true visibility and representation for our transgender siblings requires a collective effort and a commitment from our leaders and allies to recognize the necessary steps to fully uplift voices and experiences.”

 

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*Síle Moloney contributed to this story.