For the first time, the Westchester County Center lit up and showcased the transgender flag to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility. Celebrated annually on March 31, it’s a day dedicated to transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by the transgender community globally. Local advocate, and LGBTQ Advisory Board member Joann Prinzivalli is sharing her story and spreading her message of acceptance.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “By recognizing International Transgender Day of Visibility, we are showing a sign of respect for each and
every person living, working and visiting our great County. Everyone deserves to have their identity and personhood respected and validated. This is a simple way to show we care about and respect others.”
LGBTQ Advisory Board Chair Chris Oldi said: “International Transgender Day of Visibility provides a moment for all of us to reflect upon the important and
exceptional accomplishments of our transgender and gender nonconforming friends, as well as remember that there is still work that needs to be done to fight for trans rights. By highlighting this day at the Westchester County Center, the County Executive continues to signal his unwavering support and respect for the trans community. We thank him, and the County, for continuing to recognize this important day for the LGBTQ+ community.”
LGBTQ Advisory Board Member Joann Prinzivalli said: “Being a transgender woman is just like being any other woman. On International Transgender Day of Visibility, it is an opportunity to be out there, show the pride in who we are, and help lift up others, so they too, can feel the pride in being who we are. Thank you to County Executive Latimer for helping to make Westchester County a place where people of all backgrounds can shine and be themselves.”
LGBTQ Advisory Board Member Robyn Schlessinger said: “Thank you to County Executive Latimer for his steadfast support of the LGBTQIA+ community and
The LOFT Community Center. It is a pleasure to serve on the County’s LGBTQ Advisory Board and we look forward to even greater collaboration with the County Executive and legislature as conditions surrounding the pandemic appear to be improving.”
Executive Director of the LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center Judy Troilo said: “We are lucky to live in a County where our local government sees and affirms our TGNCNB (transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary) community members. Our County Executive has been an outspoken advocate and through real-world work, his actions are making Westchester County a better place for all.”
According to World Population Review’s data of the transgender population by state, it is estimated 0.41% of the population in New York State identify as transgender.
(Submitted)
