The City of Ballarat is proud to recognise Transgender Day of Visibility 2022 on Thursday March 31 with a flag raising ceremony at the community flagpole and community discussion panel of speakers at the Ballarat Library.
The City of Ballarat supports International Transgender Day of Visibility as a celebration and acknowledgement of transgender and gender diverse identities, achievements, and communities.
Speakers sharing their stories include Charlotte Johnson (she/they) queer, Jewish activist and volunteer, Alex Bravo (he/him) Ballarat Community Health and Member of the City of Ballarat’s newly formed LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, Jupiter Perrett (he/they), a young transgender person, aspiring art student and digital animator/illustrator, Sage Akouri (they/them) CEO of Speak and Member of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, and Marce King (they/them) portrait and figurative artist currently based in Ballarat.
International Transgender Day of Visibility provides a forum to raise awareness of the work that needs to be done to achieve transgender justice.
The City of Ballarat champions a more diverse and inclusive city by actively working towards justice by raising the voices and platforms of gender diverse members of the community.
For many gender diverse people, a lack of representation, role models, and community connection can be isolating and make it difficult to feel proud in their identities.
City of Ballarat Mayor and Chair of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, Cr Daniel Moloney (he/him), said recognising the importance of Transgender Day of Visibility is an integral part of creating a better Ballarat for everyone.
“Every single person who lives, works, and thrives in our city deserves to have their identities validated, respected and seen,” he said.
“Transgender Day of Visibility is about more than just recognising and seeing the trans and gender diverse members of our community. It’s about really listening to their perspectives and amplifying their stories.
“It’s a chance for all of us as people, and for City of Ballarat as an organisation to listen and learn and really make positive changes to ensure Ballarat is always welcoming and inclusive of all people.”
The City of Ballarat is one of the most sexuality and gender diverse regional cities in Victoria.
The events on this day aim to highlight, champion, and feature the almost 10% of the Ballarat community who identify as LGBTIQA+ and their families and friends and honour their valuable contributions to our region.
Join guest speakers and councillors on Thursday 31 March for the flag raising ceremony at the community flagpole in front of the Town Hall at 3.30pm and the afternoon tea and panel discussion at the Ballarat Library from 4:15pm.
