City of Newcastle has raised the Transgender Pride flag at City Hall and its City Administration Centre today to demonstrate support and acceptance of the trans and gender diverse community.
International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on 31 March to highlight the achievements and resilience of transgender and gender diverse people, while also raising awareness of the discrimination and barriers trans people continue to face.
Cr Paige Johnson holds the Transgender Pride flag on the steps of City Hall, joined by Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Mark Brooker, City of Newcastle staff and a range of friends and supporters.Councillor Paige Johnson, the first openly trans woman to be elected to public office in NSW, said visibility is a key theme of today's celebration.
"Newcastle is a progressive, welcoming and inclusive city and recognising this day is part of our commitment to proudly standing united in support of inclusivity and acceptance of our trans and gender diverse community," Cr Johnson said.
"This step today is so important because visibility is so important. Visibility is about hope and hope wins.
"The reason I choose to be visible is because seeing other people being visible has helped me so much. Seeing what other women like me in other states and other countries have done meant I could see a future for myself as myself.
Cr Johnson noted recent poling released by Equality Australia that showed more than 91% of Australians agree trans people should have the freedom and choice to live their lives in the way that makes them happy.
"The Australian public has our back and I say to our trans and gender diverse Novocastrians and people right across the Hunter: this city has your back."
Councillors unanimously supported a notice of motion at last week's Council meeting to officially recognise and acknowledge Transgender Day of Visibility each year as an important event in Newcastle's calendar.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said this symbolises our commitment to be a community where all are valued.
"Raising the Transgender Pride flag on City Hall and other Civic buildings reinforces that Newcastle is a safe and welcoming city for all," Cr Kerridge said.
"City of Newcastle is committed to supporting community education, cultural events, and discussions that raise awareness and promote inclusion."
City of Newcastle has a proud history of championing LGBTQIA+ rights including supporting occasions such as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, Pride Month and Wear it Purple Day, the establishment of a rainbow walk in Islington, sponsorship of Newcastle Pride Festival and flying the Rainbow and Progress Pride flags at City Hall.
Newcastle was also the city with the highest 'Yes' vote in regional Australia in support of marriage equality.
