Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens celebrated his first Transgender Day of Visibility since taking office today. Held annually on March 31st, International Transgender Day of Visibility is a time to celebrate transgender and non-binary people around the globe and acknowledge the courage it takes to live openly and authentically.
In recognition of this day, Mayor Andre Dickens moved Atlanta forward by hosting a city hall panel discussion about the current state of trans affairs featuring members of the trans community, as well as elected leaders and senior City officials.
The Division of LGBTQ Affairs worked alongside Mayor Dickens to help bring about systemic change for Atlanta's LGBTQ constituents and workers. During the the meeting, Dickens issued an administrative order giving City of Atlanta employees the ability to add pronouns to their badges.
In addition, Mayor Dickens announced a partnership with Atlanta Legal Aid Society that will allow trans Atlantans to legally change their name and supporting documents at no cost. Mayor Dickens also signed the Human Rights Campaign's Pledge to end violence against Black and Brown Transgender Women.
The Atlanta LGBTQ Affairs Division noted via their official Instagram that meeting's audience, which included City Council members, judges, state legislators and senior City officials, "were grateful for the opportunity to learn" from the distinguished panel.
Gaye Magazine is thankful that Mayor Andre Dickens is advocating, supporting and bringing awareness to trans rights, discrimination and violence. Certainly a step forward in the right direction for our home state!