Latest news with #CentreLGBT+
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State College community members rally in support of trans rights on Day of Visibility
About 100 people gathered at the Allen Street gates Monday to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility, a national event that took on new meaning this year in the wake of federal action that seeks to roll back transgender rights and recognition. The gathering was organized by Centre LGBT+ amid what board member and transgender woman Michel Lee Garrett said in a press release is 'a moment of profound fear for transgender and nonbinary people.' 'Trans people deserve the same fundamental rights and freedoms as all people, and it has never been more important for our community and allies to come together to support transgender people,' Lee Garrett said. In President Donald Trump's first three months in office, he has issued executive orders saying the government will recognize only female and male sexes, banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth, has tried to remove transgender people from the military and more. Those in attendance at Centre LGBT+'s nearly two-hour event Monday held signs with messages such as, 'you are valid' and 'protect trans kids,' and attendees signed advocacy letters to be sent to local politicians and UPMC. State College Mayor Ezra Nanes spoke and read a statement from state Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township. State College, a trans sanctuary city, issued a proclamation for the Day of Visibility. During the event, at least one person was in attendance with signs such as 'children cannot consent to puberty blockers' and engaged in discussions with rally attendees. After the crowd gathered with Centre LGBT+ had mostly dissipated Monday, another, smaller group formed after Central PA Trans United posted on social media about the event to 'organize to fight back against anti-trans legislation and oppression.' For about 30 minutes, more than two dozen people marched through downtown State College, blocking traffic. On Beaver Avenue, drivers attempting to get through blocked and yelled at the group, with one driver exiting a vehicle to confront marchers. There was no police presence during the march, which appeared to end without incident at the State College Municipal Building.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Centre LGBT+ responds to Trump administration's executive orders
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) – It has been a busy month for the Trump administration, with him signing over 70 executive orders – some reversing DEI policies the previous administration put into place. A couple of months ago, Centre LGBT+ did not have a full security system that requires visitors to buzz in. Now, with Trump back in office, some say they no longer feel safe. 'America categorically rejects transgender lunacy,' Trump said. There's an order banning transgender athletes in sports, and another restricting gender-affirming care for kids. The government also now recognizes only two genders on official documents like passports. Centre County court battle over council appointments could go to trial 'There is a real open question if transgender people leave the country, are they able to get back in if their passport does not match the rest of their documentation?' Centre LGBT+ Board Member Michel Lee Garrett said. The organization says they've been getting calls from residents who are concerned about their rights under the Trump administration. 'A sweeping effort to reclaim our culture and our laws from the radical left crusade against biological reality,' Trump said. Lee Garrett wants her community to push back on these new orders and hopes people outside the LGBT+ circle will offer support. 'We exist in Centre County. We exist in Blair County. We exist across Pennsylvania, across the nation and across the world, and transgender people deserve the same fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to all people and to all Americans,' Lee Garrett said. She says anyone interested in helping their cause can reach out via their website or (814) 308-9670. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
