Representing the state with the highest percentage of people who identify as transgender, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz led a group of 26 Democratic colleagues Friday in introducing a resolution celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.

What You Need To Know

  • The designation was introduced by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 to celebrate transgender people and to bring attention to discrimination faced by the transgender community

  • Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said the occasion was an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to helping ensure that all people, regardless of their identity, can "feel safe and live freely with dignity and respect"

  • Also on Friday, state House Speaker Scott Saiki issued a statement affirming that the chamber "continues to support and recognize the resilience of transgender individuals and communities every day, and we are committed to ensuring the Capitol remains an inclusive and safe space for all"

  • According to a 2016 survey conducted by the UCLA law school's Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy, 0.78% of the population of Hawaii identifies as transgender

The designation was introduced by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 to celebrate transgender people and to bring attention to discrimination faced by the transgender community.

“International Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the transgender community around the world — their achievements, their courage, and their right to live openly and authentically,” Schatz said. “Truly celebrating them also means raising awareness of the discrimination and violence they continue to face and reaffirming our commitment to fighting back against any and all attacks. While we’ve made progress over the years, thanks to the bravery of many transgender leaders, the work for full equality, acceptance and civil rights protections continues.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said the occasion was an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to helping ensure that all people, regardless of their identity, can “feel safe and live freely with dignity and respect.”
“No one should have to live in fear for simply existing as their authentic self,” Hirono said. “At a time when transgender people continue to face discrimination and violence, I will keep fighting to combat hate and advance justice for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Also on Friday, state House Speaker Scott Saiki issued a statement affirming that the chamber “continues to support and recognize the resilience of transgender individuals and communities every day, and we are committed to ensuring the Capitol remains an inclusive and safe space for all.”

State Rep. Adrian Tam, co-convenor of the Legislature’s Equality Caucus, added: “As we approach March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility, I stand with pride alongside fellow members of the House who consistently affirm, embrace, and support transgender folks in our communities. Let us celebrate their accomplishments while also acknowledging that there is so much work to be done to ensure inclusivity in our state. We pledge our continued support to the transgender community as we stand in solidarity as allies.”

In advance of Sunday’s event, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi ordered that Honolulu Hale be illuminated in pink from Thursday evening until sunrise of Friday.

According to a 2016 survey conducted by the UCLA law school’s Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy, 0.78% of the population of Hawaii identifies as transgender.