ICYMI: Mayor Brandon Johnson Stands With LGBTQ+ Leaders During Transgender Awareness Week

CHICAGO - In case you missed it, today Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Center on Halsted CEO Joli Robinson, Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th), Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor (20th), MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, Equality Illinois CEO Channyn Lynne Parker, Life is Work CEO Zahara Bassett, and members of Chicago's LGBTQ+ community for an event raising awareness around Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Awareness Week.

"Today is a solemn moment because we remember the family members, leaders, and loved ones we have lost," said Mayor Brandon Johnsonduring his remarks. "But we're also grateful that their sacrifices have led to a city that is committed to ensuring that our Trans Day of Remembrance doesn't just become a day to remember those that we have lost, but what we have gained."

Mayor Johnson met with LGBTQ+ advocates to discuss challenges facing members of Chicago's trans community. During the program attendees explored key moments and figures in the history of Chicago's LGBTQ+ community.

Photos from today's event are available here.

Trans Day of Remembrance is an opportunity to commemorate those who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence while recognizing the resilience of the trans community. Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive LGBTQ+ community center, providing mental health, youth services, HIV/STI care, senior support while leading arts and cultural engagement.

"Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Awareness Week are important moments to honor lives lost to anti transgender violence and to recognize the vibrancy of the trans community," said Joli Robinson. "We stand with our trans siblings and reaffirm our commitment to their safety, dignity, and visibility."

During his remarks, Mayor Johnson reaffirmed the administration's steadfast commitment to building a more inclusive city where all LGBTQ+ Chicagoans feel safe and supported.

"Chicago has a proud and vibrant LGBTQ+ community who have made indelible contributions to the lifeblood of our neighborhoods," said Mayor Johnson. "But yet we still see members of the LGBTQ+ community facing many attacks and discrimination when it comes to civil rights, gender affirming health care, and safety as a whole."

"People and politicians across this country have tried to continue to marginalize the trans community, but it doesn't work here in Chicago," continued Mayor Johnson. "And that is because Chicago cares about the everyday real issues that affect all of us. The cost of living, housing, health care, food, and security, and caring for our families and neighbors, that's what we all collectively care about. and that is why it is more important than ever that we gather today to recognize honor and advocate for the transgender community."

Video of Mayor Johnson's full remarks can be viewed here.

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