Leading Black LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Group Commemorates Transgender Day Of Visibility Amid Escalating Legislative Attacks Nationwide
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
National Black Justice Coalition Calls on Leaders to Support and Protect Trans Community Against Hate and Violence
WASHINGTON – Today, the National Black Justice Coalition commemorates the International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual celebration of transgender and non-binary people and their contributions to society.
Dr. David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, a leading Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, issued the following statement:
“International Transgender Day of Visibility is a time to celebrate the resilience, accomplishments, and strength of our transgender and non-binary siblings, who face unimaginable barriers, including systemic oppression. We stand in solidarity with the trans community around the world.
“Last year, we celebrated this day amid the creep of legislation stoking hate and discrimination against transgender people, and sadly, today, that campaign has only grown louder and more widespread. The Right’s weaponization of a manufactured ‘anti-woke’ culture war seeks to divide our country while using the LGBTQ+/Same-gender Loving (SGL) community as a political pawn for their own benefit.
“That trans people refuse to capitulate to calls for genocide–legislative efforts to restrict access to life-affirming and life-saving care, access to social activities like sports that are foundational to developing skills useful in the global 21st-century workforce, and the ability to see themselves reflected in curricula and other symbolic representations of our country or hear affirming words used to speak life into them is a testament to their incredible strength and perseverance. We should each commit to leveraging our privilege in a loving coalition with transgender people, who continue to fight for their right to exist and be recognized in the face of unrelenting attacks.
“Today is a powerful reminder of how much work still needs to be done to fight back against efforts to dehumanize, ‘other,’ and marginalize the transgender community, and why we as a nation cannot overlook this assault on fundamental human rights.
“We call on the Biden administration, policymakers, community leaders, and society to recognize and urgently address the systemic issues that prevent transgender people from living fully and without fear. There is no time to waste as hard-earned rights continue to be stripped, and violent rhetoric enflames more violence.
“In the continued struggle for complete and collective freedom, the National Black Justice Coalition celebrates the contributions that transgender people continue to make to society and reaffirms our commitment to fighting for their rights, dignity, and well-being.
“We see you, love you and are honored to fight to ensure we can all get free soon!”
In recognition of opportunities to advocate with and better support the Black transgender community, NBJC has established a Black Transgender Advisory Council (Black TAC), featuring trailblazers who have recreated notions of what is possible for Black transgender people. Black TAC’s members are industry leaders, stalwart advocates, and activists who have committed themselves to supporting the Black transgender community. Their breadth of experience reminds us that access to opportunity can facilitate self-actualization and equality.
If you’d be interested in talking with Dr. Johns or any member of the NBJC Black Transgender Advisory Council, we’d be happy to arrange an interview.
