The state of California is inclusive of the LGBTQ community in society while federal government has proposed changes to policy to exclude the LGBTQ community.
The LGBTQ community and their allies stood in unison to support the Transgender and Nonbinary and Binary communities after the Trump administration announced gender classification is strictly biological.
The administration’s latest news were published on Sunday morning by The New York Times, creating a quick mobilization through social media with the hashtag #WontBeErased. Soon the LGBTQ community rose in protest throughout the country.
Here in San Jose, hundreds gathered at City Hall on Wednesday afternoon to fight for trans-inclusion in society.
“California is ahead of the game and look what’s happening, we are outraged,” said Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center’s Board President, Gabrielle Antolovich.
While the nation seems to be falling behind in LGBTQ recognition, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill this month that allows the state of California Department of Motor Vehicles to give the option to individuals to choose their gender identification on their driver’s license or identification card.
Beginning January 1, 2019, the DMV will allow Californians to choose a gender category of male, female or nonbinary on their DL/ID cards.
Locally, the Santa Clara County opened an LGBTQ Affairs Office in March, a one-of-its-kind facility in the country.
The county is raising the bar high in comparison to the rest of the country serving the judicial issues this community might have.
Transgender services program manager, Anthony Ross, shared that the county’s office is always available for anyone at any time.
“Let us know what you need, we’re here for you,” said Ross said at the city hall rally.
People cheered, clapped and cried as allies and volunteers shared their personal stories.
“Our existence is not debatable by anybody,” Ross said.
Rally organizer Sera Fernando said to stand strong at the fact that the Trump administration is forcing the most marginalized community of the LGBTQ spectrum out of the system.
“I want to communicate to the entire world that trans people will not be erased,” said Fernando.
Many community members said it is unfair to have to forcefully choose a gender they don’t identify with. The phrases “we will not be erased” and the spanish word for present, “presente,” were chanted throughout the rally by speakers and attendees. People who drove by honked their car horns to show support for the community and flags were waved.
Vice President of the Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee, Paul Escobar, talked about Adam Spickler who was the first openly trans men official to be elected into office in California’s state history. Spickler was automatically appointed to the position of Cabrillo College trustee in Santa Cruz County earlier in August.
“While the Trump administration may want to roll back the clock, we will move forward with purpose and enthusiasm,” Escobar said. He emphasized the importance of voting to continue having an inclusive and progressive state.
“Coming together to stand for our values is crucial, and in 14 days we need to go and vote,” he added.
