Transgender Flag to Fly in Madison This Week

To celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, and community members raised the Transgender Flag outside the Madison Municipal Building.  

Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford is the first openly trans woman to hold elected office in Dane County. 

“Representation matters. Not just for those of us here today, but for every young person across the city, across this state, and across this country that are looking for proof that they belong, that their voices matter, and that their future is limitless,” said Alder Martinez-Rutherford. “We raise the Transgender Flag today for it to be a symbol that Madison is welcoming and that you belong here. Let it be a beacon of hope, a reminder that we will not be erased. We are here. We are powerful. And we are worthy of joy, dignity, and love. Happy Transgender Day of Visibility. Keep shining, keep resisting and keep rising."  

During her remarks, Mayor Rhodes-Conway emphasized that a threat to one part of our community, is a threat to our entire community.  

“We are flying the Transgender Flag to make it visible to our entire community and the world that Madison celebrates our trans neighbors and friends, even those who still do not feel safe being visible,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “We fly the Transgender Flag because our city respects individual rights and rejects hate.”