Transgender Day of Visibility Celebrated in Wisconsin

At a joyful event in the State Capitol, Democratic legislators and members of the Transgender, Nonbinary, LGBTQIA+ communities, allies and friends gathered to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility.

As part of the celebration, a package of three bills, the Visibility, Equality, and Privacy Package, was introduced. Bills in that package include:

LRB 0820, Senator Mark Spritzer (D-Beloit) lead author: Transgender and nonbinary people are at significant risk of discrimination in education, housing, employment, health insurance, use of public accommodations, and many other activities of everyday life. This bill will extend Wisconsin’s nondiscrimination laws to include transgender and nonbinary people by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression.

LRB 2654, Senator Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove), lead author: Current law requires an individual seeking a name change petition to publish notice of their petition in a local newspaper once per week for three consecutive weeks before they may petition the court including where the petition will be heard. This bill creates an additional exception for individuals who are seeking a name change to conform with their gender identity.

LRB 2028: This joint resolution proclaims March 31, 2025 as Wisconsin’s Transgender Day of Visibility. It recognizes the achievements of the many transgender individuals and organizations in Wisconsin, who have made contributions to our state through volunteerism, advocacy, political engagement, military service, or cultural and artistic expression.

Members of the Transgender Parent and Nonbinary Advocacy Caucus issued the following statements:

Senator Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove) Co-Chair: “This is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of Trans and Nonbinary people. It is very meaningful to me as the mom of a transgender son. It is a day to elevate, emphasize and visualize. Elevate the voices of our Trans and Nonbinary communities. Emphasize the joy of living life as your authentic self. And visualize a world in which all our Trans and Nonbinary children, co-workers, neighbors, parents, and elected officials, throughout Wisconsin and the world, are loved, accepted and safe.”

Representative Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee) Co-Chair: “As a father of an amazing Trans man, I am happy today to stand in the Capital and forward put legislation that takes a small step towards equality, instead of only defending against hate. I want today to focus on Trans joy, but in order to do that we need to bring Wisconsin to a place where all Trans people can be seen and celebrated. I am thankful for the Trans community and the vibrancy they bring to this State and we should all work towards a world where they not are just safe, but have the ability to thrive.”

Representative Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton): “As attacks continue on the transgender community it is important that we celebrate the accomplishments and resilience of transgender people across the world. Democrats are committed to advancing equality for transgender & non-binary individuals– not asking more for them but asking for the same. Everyone deserves equal protection under the law, safety, and to live without harassment.”

Representative Margaret Arney (D-Wauwatosa): “Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the courage, strength, and beauty of the transgender community. We recognize the challenges they face, but also honor their resilience, contributions, and the importance of being able to live as their true selves. This day is about visibility—standing proud, standing together, and ensuring every trans individual is seen, heard, supported, and loved. Let’s keep fighting for a world where all people, regardless of gender identity, can live with dignity and love.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.