Philadelphia has declared its support for the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

On Thursday (29 March) the city raised a flag and announced that it would be looking to support the trans community.

Philly is one of the most gay friendly cities in America with around 60,000 residents who identify as LGBTI.

The city’s council is one of the first in the state to open a dedicated LGBTI affairs office.

Philadelphia joins other states across the US

Transgender Visibility Day seeks to raise awareness of trans people across the world.

It happens annually across the country on March 31.

‘We only uplift the transfolk that live up to expectations,’ said Hazel Edwards, a transgender youth who gave remarks during Thursday’s event to CBS Local.

Evan Thornburg, deputy director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, said: ‘It’s a life and death conversation for trans people to be able to be out and themselves.

The LGBTI Equality movement started in Philadelphia over 50 years ago.

‘More Color, More Pride’

Back in 2017, a Philadelphia campaign titled More Color, More Pride, looked for inclusivity of LGBTI individuals of color who are often left out of mainstream LGBTI discussion.

‘To fuel this important conversation, we’ve expanded the colors of the flag to include black and brown. It may seem like a small step.

‘But together we can make big strides toward a truly inclusive community,’ the campaign’s website read.

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