CHARLESTON, WV – On International Transgender Day of Visibility, allies and activists across the nation, including in West Virginia, rallied to advocate for the rights of the trans community.
At the state Capitol, dozens of individuals gathered, holding signs and chanting in solidarity, making it clear they will continue to fight for trans rights.
“We’re not stopping. We’re not going to stop building community, and we’re not going to stop transitioning. Trans Day of Visibility is all about showing that we are real, and we’re not going anywhere,” said Sam Green, Co-Founder of the West Virginia Trans Coalition.
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Organizers emphasized that the day is about both celebrating the progress made for trans rights and drawing attention to ongoing challenges. One of the key issues they highlighted was the mental health of individuals in the trans community.
The mission of the coalition, according to Green, is to improve the lives of transgender individuals in the state.
“Even if people don’t fully understand transitioning, they can still acknowledge that we are human and deserve the right to transition and live freely. It’s important to respect that, not just for queer people, but for everyone,” Green explained.
Currently, the coalition is focused on Senate Bill 154, which would require public school employees to inform parents if a student expresses interest in transitioning to a different gender. The bill has been referred to committee for further discussion.