County Board to Recognize Transgender History Month
August 15, 2024
County Board Supervisor Rick Rose, (608) 616-9365
County Board
The Dane County Board of Supervisors will meet tonight at 7:00pm at Schumacher Farm Park. At the meeting, the Board will recognize August 2024 as Transgender History Month.
Transgender History Month is a month to recognize the history and contributions of transgender leaders and members of the community, as well as to honor and remember the struggles and achievements of transgender people. It is also an opportunity to affirm the presence of transgender people in the community and throughout the world.
"Solidifying Transgender History Month in Dane County builds upon our commitment to our trans friends that they are safe and welcome here and that we have your back. Honoring our past provides a roadmap to a future where everyone's identity is honored. By illuminating the struggles and triumphs of our trans ancestors, we pave the way for a more just and equitable world for all,” said County Board Supervisor Rick Rose (District 16).
August was declared Transgender History Month in the City and County of San Francisco in August 2021. Since this time, very few cities and counties have followed. The Board’s recognition at tonight’s meeting underscores the County’s ongoing leadership in the country in recognizing transgender people. In June 2023, the County Board also passed a resolution declaring Dane County a sanctuary for trans and nonbinary individuals.
The resolution at tonight’s meeting highlights the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, an organization dedicated to preserving and documenting the history of the LGBTQ community in Wisconsin.
County Board Supervisor Kerry Marren (District 37) said, "I am honored and humbled to be a part of this historical event here in Dane County. Recognizing Transgender History Month is a huge step towards empowering transgender individuals, especially youth, by providing them positive role models and a sense of pride in their identity, and reminding them that they are part of a long and vibrant history of resilience and activism. I hope that seeing their history and contributions celebrated will help to counteract the negative messages and discrimination that transgender people face, and give them a sense of belonging in a community that not only sees them, but celebrates them."
The agenda for tonight’s in person County Board meeting can be found here: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1141081&GUID=D1CB160B-DDBB-4010-B85E-39263028A4A1 Residents interested in attending are reminded that the meeting will be in person only at Schumacher Farm Park, 5682 WI-19, Waunakee.