Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation on March 31 designating the date as Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrating the transgender community in New York State and across the country. The Governor also announced that 16 landmarks throughout the state would be lit in pink, white, and blue to mark the occasion.
The proclamation highlights efforts to recognize and support transgender individuals. Governor Hochul said, “On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor New York’s rich transgender history and recognize the contributions that transgender New Yorkers have made to the state.” She continued, “As the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, New York will always remain a beacon of hope and acceptance for transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary New Yorkers, and I remain committed to celebrating and protecting the LGBTQ+ community by investing in programs that provide critical services and address inequities facing transgender New Yorkers.”
The statement notes ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting equality. Last year, Governor Hochul expanded the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund—described as now being the largest fund of its kind nationally—and signed Shield Law 2.0 to strengthen protections for health care providers and patients seeking gender-affirming or reproductive health care.
New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Denise M. Miranda also commented on this day: “As we recognize Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the resilience and contributions of transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming New Yorkers. The New York State Human Rights Law provides powerful safeguards against discrimination and the Division is committed to ensuring these protections are felt by TGNCNB New Yorkers in their everyday lives. Today, and every day, let us recommit ourselves to working towards a world free from discrimination — while honoring the rich contributions of transgender New Yorkers across our state.”
Among those landmarks being illuminated are One World Trade Center (1WTC), Niagara Falls, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, Empire State Plaza, Moynihan Train Hall, Roosevelt Island Lighthouse among others.
These actions reflect broader efforts within state government to promote visibility for marginalized communities while emphasizing ongoing legal protections.
