As Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) approaches this weekend on Saturday, March 31, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders declares their support of this important day and recognizes that TDOV is about more than visibility, it’s an opportunity for all of us to be an ally.
TDOV is a day dedicated to reflecting on the achievements made by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals and their supporters, and it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about the trans community and the oppression these individuals still face in today’s society.
“We call on community members and allies to help ensure that transgender individuals are affirmed, respected, and able to thrive,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Freeholder LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “As an elected official representing all residents in Union County, I urge leaders in our communities to use language and actions that inspire and empowers transgender individuals.”
TDOV comes as the State of New Jersey advances laws toward transgender equality and significant protections – soon to become the state with the most progressive gender-identity policies in the nation.
“On behalf of the entire Freeholder Board, I add our names to the list of New Jersey elected officials who commend our state representatives for their efforts to pass legislation that protects transgender individuals who reside in New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board supports policies that are gender-affirming for all of our LGBTQ residents. Union County stands ready to immediately implement the equality legislations that Governor Murphy has vowed to sign.”
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders stand in support of all transgender people, and condemns attempts to stigmatize and marginalize them. We believe transgender individuals have the right to a full quality of life as respected members of our families, communities, and work force.
In January 2018, Union County became the first county in the State of New Jersey to establish an Office of LGBTQ Services – established by Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados as one of many progressive “Moving Union County Forward” special initiatives that he announced in January of this year.
Through assessment, research, analysis and strategic collaboration, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, provides essential support that impacts the quality of life for LGBTQ people and allies through community building and human services.
For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org, or visit the Union County government website at ucnj.org.