'We're community members': Milwaukee LGBTQ+ activists raise awareness on Trans Day of Visibility

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County leaders and activists met at the Diverse & Resilient center in Riverwest Friday, March 31, for a resolution supporting the LGBTQ community.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Peter Burgelis authored the statement, which codifies the county's stance against conversion therapy.

Conversion therapy is a tactic that attempts to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

"This is going to let folks know that you are welcome here, that you are enough, and that we're going to do everything that we can to protect you," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

The Department of Health and Human Services currently does not support or fund conversion therapy, as it has been proven to be ineffective.

The move in support of Milwaukee County's LGBTQ community took place on National Transgender Day of Visibility.

"Trans Day of Visibility is a way to celebrate us and our progress," said activist Elle Halo, the founder of TRANCE Consulting.

While it's a day of celebration, it's also a day to raise awareness of violence toward trans and non-binary people.

In the last year, at least three transgender women were killed in Milwaukee.

"We're uplifting Deidrick Cross, we're uplifting Cashay Henderson, Maya Regina Allen, and Brazil Johnson," Halo said.

Many crimes against trans people go unsolved.

Trans Day of Visibility puts that issue to the forefront, while supporting transgender wellness.

"We are community members. When we're talking about Black trans or Black queer issues, we're talking about Black issues and community issues," Halo said.

Halo said it's also a day for everyone to show love to the trans people in their lives.

"If you don't know the gay, trans, and queer people and nonbinary people in your own family, that's because you're the person that you're uncomfortable to tell," Halo said.

Her message to young trans and LGBTQ people: it truly does get better.

"Once you make those connections and get out into the world, things will get better and you will start to see more faces that look like yours," Halo said.

To learn more about Diverse & Resilient's resources for Milwaukee's trans community, click here.

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