‘We affirm you.' Transgender pride flag flies over Tacoma Dome for first time
Similar flags were raised above the Tacoma Municipal Building, Tacoma Police Department headquarters and the Tacoma Fire Department, according to the city.
For the past few years the transgender pride flag has flown over City Hall, but this was the first year it was flown on other city buildings, said Mayor Victoria Woodards in a news release Monday.
There has been ongoing debate for years among Tacoma and Pierce County officials about whether the rainbow Pride flag and others should be flown on places like the Dome or in council chambers. Last July was the first time a Pride flag had ever been flown in the Pierce County Council chambers.
'Transgender Day of Visibility was born out of trans people daring to proclaim joy. In defiance of all the barriers they face, they have the audacity to thrive in the face of hate and bigotry. The contributions of trans people are endless, and seen here in our city's rich diversity, economic vitality, and quality of life. Trans joy is worthy of celebration,' said Council Member Olgy Diaz in a news release Monday. 'March 31 is a moment for us to pause to honor and celebrate the tremendous perseverance and fortitude of trans people of all ages, backgrounds and professions. This is an opportunity to speak in one voice to say we see you, we affirm you, and there is a community standing in support of you.'
The choice to raise the flag comes at a time of increasing attacks on transgender rights and people in the United States.
In 2023, for the first time in its 40-year history, the Human Rights Campaign declared a National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans in response to more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced into state houses across the country, more than 85 of which were passed into law. Last year more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced and more than 40 passed. A vast majority of those bills specifically targeted transgender people, seeking to ban access to safe, effective and age-appropriate gender-affirming medical care, limit access to bathrooms and locker rooms and remove references to LGBTQ+ identities and experiences in books and school curricula, according to the HRC.
'As trans people, our very existence is seen as defiance under a tyrannical federal government. While it is dangerous to be out and visible, it is also imperative for those who cannot be to see that their community and allies have not stopped fighting,' said Oliver Webb, executive director of the Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound, in the news release.
The city of Tacoma said the transgender flag was provided by community partners at no cost to the city and was raised as directed by the council's newly adopted commemorative flag policy.
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