Trans Day of Visibility sees Gov. Moore, lawmakers pledge to work with trans community

ANNAPOLIS, Md-Governor Wes Moore today proclaimed March 31, 2023, as International Transgender Day of Visibility in Maryland. Governor Moore is the first governor in Maryland history to commemorate the day in the state.

“People who have the courage to demand visibility, even after facing hardship, in some cases, after facing violence and poverty represent the very best of Maryland. We need to elevate their stories, embrace their courage, and celebrate their humanity,” said Governor Moore. “By signing this proclamation, we are taking a step forward. And I look forward to working with all of you to continue that march in the years to come.”

Lawmakers heard from representatives of the Trans Community, as they pushed for issues to receive attention, including a commitment from Governor Moore to sign the Trans Health equity act of 2023.
Lee Blinder of Trans Maryland tells 47ABC the day’s goal was to put trans, intersex, and non-binary people at the center, and open up conversations with lawmakers that would not have been possible before.

“Our community needs some protection and we need our powerful allies to stand up advocate and take things to that accomplice level where they want to put themselves in a position to protect our community and advocate for what they are asking for,” Blinder said.

International Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the accomplishments of transgender, gender diverse, nonbinary, and two-spirit people,
while raising awareness of the work that remains to achieve trans justice.

The Maryland Center for Economic Policy says an estimated 94 thousand Marylanders identify as transgender or nonbinary.