Madison Reporter

Madison celebrated Transgender Day of Visibility by raising the Transgender Flag outside the city's municipal building. The event was led by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, joined by community supporters.

Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, the first openly transgender woman to hold elected office in Dane County, highlighted the importance of representation. "Representation matters. Not just for those of us here today, but for every young person across the city, across this state, and across this country that are looking for proof that they belong, that their voices matter, and that their future is limitless,” Martinez-Rutherford declared. She added that, "We raise the Transgender Flag today for it to be a symbol that Madison is welcoming and that you belong here. Let it be a beacon of hope, a reminder that we will not be erased. We are here. We are powerful. And we are worthy of joy, dignity, and love. Happy Transgender Day of Visibility. Keep shining, keep resisting and keep rising."

Mayor Rhodes-Conway also addressed the gathering, stressing the city's commitment to inclusivity. She stated, "We are flying the Transgender Flag to make it visible to our entire community and the world that Madison celebrates our trans neighbors and friends, even those who still do not feel safe being visible." She continued, "We fly the Transgender Flag because our city respects individual rights and rejects hate."