Today, Governor Roy Cooper issued a proclamation in observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance which honors the lives of the transgender community and promotes inclusion, equity and fair treatment for all North Carolinians.

“This proclamation serves as a reminder that North Carolina values inclusion and diversity of all ethnicities, cultures, faiths, genders, expressions and sexual orientations,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders whom serves as Chair of the Governor’s NC Commission on Inclusion. “I am proud to work with a Governor that prohibits discrimination within State Government and recognizes diversity as a key engine to innovation.”

Secretary Sanders shared the Governor’s proclamation during her remarks at the November 20 Commission on Inclusion meeting in Durham.

“Equality of all people is a quest that requires continued advocacy, assistance, community, and above all, understanding,” said NC Commission on Inclusion Member Paula Kohut, an advocate for the transgender community. “I am thankful for all of those past and present who have made it possible, through great personal persistence and sacrifice, for members of the LGBTQ community, their friends, family and allies to live their lives with purpose and pride, and for those who continue to advocate for equity for all.”

Established under Executive Order 24 which prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation in state employment, services and contracts, the Commission on Inclusion works together to identify policies and measures to promote diversity and inclusion.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, all people deserve to live in a state that respects their dignity, safety, and overall well-being through the promotion of equal and fair treatment for everyone; and

WHEREAS, members of the transgender community are engaged as productive residents of our state who contribute to North Carolina’s progress and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, transgender people continue to face high levels of discrimination, fear, stigma and bias that can fuel abuse and violence against North Carolina’s transgender community; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina benefits from the diversity of its population and seeks to promote inclusion of all people as a testament to our shared values of dignity, equity, and fair treatment for everyone without regard to gender identity or expression; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina, through its public laws, policies, and practices, condemns any and all acts of violence; and

WHEREAS,Transgender Day of Remembrance helps bring public awareness to hate crimes against transgender people and honors the memory of those harmed and killed by senseless acts of violence each year; and

WHEREAS, on this day of observance, North Carolina commits to moving forward together to promote inclusion, equity, and understanding of transgender people in every community across our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 20, 2019, as “Transgender Day of Remembrance” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

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