September 12, 2022 is Officially Protect Trans Kids Day in the City of Pittsburgh

On Monday, September 12, 2022, the City of Pittsburgh will recognize the first ‘Protect Trans Kids Day’ via a City Council Proclamation drafted and directed by a group of local transgender teenagers.

City Councilor Bobby Wilson initiated the proclamation and was joined unanimously by all other current council members. Wilson’s district saw the launch of the ‘Protect Trans Kids’ projects after a 15-year-old Black teenager was targeted by a neighbor. In response to that harassment, neighbors planted nearly 700 ‘Protect Trans Kids” yard signs in less than three months. They’ve also begun distributing stickers directly to youth and others who request them.

The proclamation lays out the priorities and needs these trans teens consider essential to protecting trans youth. They also identified accomplishments and assets the trans community has to offer the region including

The youth discussed their experiences in school, with healthcare providers, in their faith communities, and especially with their families and neighbors. They describe what protecting trans kids actually means right now — acknowledging what has been accomplished, but being honest about what remains to be done. They know they are targets. But they also believe that most people want to do the right thing and just need guidance.

To minimize disruption to school attendance, Council approved the Proclamation ahead of time during its regular…