‘Transgender Day of Visibility’ In Bloomfield Backed By Council

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield officials are supporting a local “Transgender Day of Visibility” that will take place in the township next week.

Earlier this week, the mayor and town council introduced a proclamation that recognizes the day of awareness, which will take place on Monday, March 31.

Following the reading of the proclamation, Mary Valentine of Bloomfield Pride and Reggie Bledsoe, director of Essex County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, made speeches that called for allies to stand up for the transgender community in the face of national attacks.

Read the full proclamation and watch footage from the March 24 town council meeting below (video is cued to the reading/speeches).

WHEREAS, Transgender Day of Visibility honors the contributions, achievements, beauty, memory, bravery, and resilience of trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people in the community and across the world; and

WHEREAS, This annual day fosters acceptance of transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people and raises awareness of the continued prejudice and discrimination they face in society, including legislative efforts that seek to undermine their rights and dignity; and

WHEREAS, In 2024 alone, nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced across state legislatures, targeting fundamental freedoms, particularly for transgender and gender nonconforming people, who face increasing barriers to gender-affirming care, discrimination in schools, and denial of basic rights to safety, dignity, and equal treatment under the law; and

WHEREAS, The American Medical Association has recognized violence against transgender people as an epidemic since 2019; and

WHEREAS, The Township of Bloomfield acknowledges that true inclusion means not only making space at the table but ensuring transgender voices are heard, valued, and reflected in media, policy, and community decision-making; and

WHEREAS, Gender identity exists on a spectrum and all gender-diverse individuals deserve respect, affirmation, and the right to self-identify without fear of discrimination or erasure; and

WHEREAS, The Township of Bloomfield is committed to affirming the dignity and humanity of transgender and gender-nonconforming people through policies, programs, and services that support their right to live authentically and safely; and

WHEREAS, The Township of Bloomfield recognizes that support for transgender people means challenging discrimination, and dismantling barriers to equality in housing, employment, healthcare, and public life, and the Township of Bloomfield stands in solidarity with the trans community and all those who work tirelessly to advance justice, equity, and inclusion.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JENNY MUNDELL, along with the members of the Township Council ask the residents of the Township of Bloomfield to observe Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, 2025 and to support local events and awareness efforts.

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