That the Commissioner of Public Works and the Director of Parks and Recreation light City Hall, Prospect Hill Tower, and Powder House in light blue, light pink, and white on March 31, 2023 in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility.

WHEREAS: Transgender Day of Visibility occurs every March 31st to honor and celebrate transgender and non-binary people and their contributions to society; and WHEREAS: We acknowledge the adversity, discrimination, impoverishment, and violence that the transgender and non-binary communities continue to face across the world, especially those who are also people of color, which causes increased rates of social isolation, anxiety, depression, and even suicide; and WHEREAS: A significant portion of Somerville Middle and High School students, particularly children of color and genderqueer children, reported experiencing depression, intentionally self-harming, experiencing suicidal ideation, and attempting suicide in a 2021 health survey; and WHEREAS: In recent years, landmarks around the world participated by turning their lights to colors to show their support for Transgender Day of Visibility, the lived experiences of transgender and non-binary people, and the continued fight for equal rights under the law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED: That the Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation partner to light up City Hall, Prospect Hill Tower, and Powder House in light blue, light pink, and white on March 31st in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility.