Thursday, October 1, 2026
Amid a backdrop of transgender protections facing challenges across the country, the Lacey City Council proclaimed March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility.
Transgender Day of Visibility is observed annually on March 31. Rachel Crandall-Crocker founded the observance in 2009 via a Facebook post encouraging people to celebrate transgender rights and dignity.
At the time, Transgender Day of Remembrance, which marks victims of anti-transgender violence, was the only official day recognizing the community.
The city proclamation, adopted at the March 17 council meeting, honors transgender individuals and communities while recognizing the legacy of leaders, including the transgender women of color at the Stonewall uprising in New York City in 1969.
The proclamation also acknowledged the contributions of transgender, gender nonconforming and nonbinary individuals across American society, including military service, business ownership and family life.
It noted that despite progress, transgender women and girls of color continue to face disproportionate rates of discrimination and violence.
PFLAG Olympia Board of Directors member Lucas Miller addressed the council and urged elected officials to continue speaking publicly in support of the transgender community.
"It is more important than ever that bodies like this one, publicly and in writing with proclamations, such as these, stand up to support people who are leaving red states and moving to Washington as refugees in their own country," Miller said.
Miller referenced restrictions on gender-affirming care, transgender participation in sports and access to public facilities in multiple states. He noted the threat extends beyond younger members of the community.
That threat, he said, recently materialized in Kansas, where more than 1,000 transgender residents had their driver's licenses invalidated overnight.
In Washington, Miller noted, voters will consider two related initiatives in November, including a transgender athlete ban and a measure that would repeal existing school protections for transgender youths.
Miller then expressed gratitude to the council, emphasizing that public visibility is essential to protecting the transgender community.
"Right now, visibility is our best weapon and our best defense," he said.
PFLAG Olympia is the local chapter of PFLAG, a national organization providing support, education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and allies since 1973.
The City of Lacey encourages community members to respect the lives and voices of transgender, gender nonconforming and nonbinary individuals, and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination in all forms.
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11B4ever
Lame
Thursday, March 19 Report this
CobraCommander
Look at the dumbass 11Bravo trying to think
Thursday, March 19 Report this
USA_Ronin
Stop It. Just stop it.
Thursday, March 19 Report this
chrispc2u
After losing the last election Democrats need to dial the wokeism way down. Only .08% of the US population is transgender according to the Williams Institute. So, perspective people. It’s not the norm and we’re tired of it being pushed in our faces. Keep this up and they’ll lose the next election too. By the way, I’m a Democrat…considering becoming an independent because of it. Enough is enough.
Thursday, March 19 Report this
RondaLarsonKramer
Thank you for being brave and standing up for people who are being targeted with bigotry and hatred. It’s such a stressful time for transgender people these days. Belittling and harassment being experienced by them at every turn.
Thursday, March 19 Report this
OldKid
Obviously, if all humans were accepted as they are, particularly when they cause no harm to others, there wouldn't have to be specific support and protection for those who are targeted.
We all deserve to live our lives in peace, unless we're harming others, PERIOD.
Those of you who are negative and bent out of shape over how others live or love need to examine your own issues and figure out why you're so concerned about people who do you no harm. Maybe you're the problem??
Friday, March 20 Report this
Snevets
Bravo Lacey. Agreed @RhondaLarsonKramer & OldKid.
PS @the Democrat, you sound like a Republican/maga with your using the term wokeism...dial it down??
Friday, March 20 Report this
ddttwo2
@Oldkid
So would you be ok with a Transgender male in a Girls Dressing/Locker room? I sure wouldn't want my kids to have to accept that issue. (so would that fall under the "no harm to others" statement you made?) I also wouldn't want my Girl competing with a Boy either in sports... and that I guess would fall under that same statement..
Friday, March 20 Report this
Southsoundguy
Promoting mental illness and self-harm. No amount of wailing about feelings will change that fact. I understand that many of you promoting this literally can't reach this conclusion because it will require you to admit your complicity in destruction of numerous lives and cognitive dissonance prevents such a thing from happening. But it's okay, you can still repent and seek healing.
Friday, March 20 Report this
Boatyarddog
Southsoundguy
Comes back to show everyone what Hate content is, Who Espouts it, and claims proof where there is Zero proof. Just like his Daddy Trump. Sickening!!!
Saturday, March 21 Report this