On their first day of business, the new Fernandina Beach City Commissioners will open their session with the presentation of a proclamation recognizing November 20th as Transgender Day of Remembrance. This item, placed prominently on the agenda after the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation, has sparked discussion among residents.
The proclamation has not gone unnoticed in private social media groups in Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. Some residents view this as an indicator of the priorities the city’s leadership will focus on moving forward, raising questions about how this agenda item was introduced.
Upon investigation, we learned from the city offices that the incoming commissioners had no input on this agenda until their swearing-in. According to city staff, this proclamation was added to the agenda by Mayor Antun and the new commissioners will address it following their swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.
Understanding Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded by Gwen Smith, a transgender rights activist from San Francisco. Smith began this initiative as part of the Remembering Our Dead project, which documents anti-transgender violence and commemorates individuals lost to such crimes. The project has since evolved into an annual event recognized in over 200 cities nationwide.
By Levesc12 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60706654.
Smith’s advocacy has encouraged proclamations recognizing this day across the country. A 2021 Human Rights Watch report underscores the broader movement for protections and inclusivity for transgender individuals at all levels of government. The report suggests cities consider measures such as:
- Enacting ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Reviewing municipal services to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for transgender individuals, particularly in areas like employment, housing, and anti-violence programs.
- Implementing model police department policies to protect transgender individuals from discrimination and abuse.
As these recommendations gain momentum nationwide, Eye on Nassau will monitor whether this proclamation signals a broader push for local ordinances aligned with these goals.
Community Reaction and Political Context
The proclamation comes at a politically charged moment. Local election results on November 5th reflected a strong showing for conservative candidates, including a decisive victory for Donald Trump in Fernandina Beach. Many voters see this as a mandate to prioritize traditional values and pragmatic governance.
While most residents agree that no one should be mistreated for being different, there is a growing call for the new city commission to focus on pressing local concerns. Taxpayers expect action on infrastructure, community development, and maintaining the character and charm of Fernandina Beach.
In conclusion, the Transgender Day of Remembrance proclamation acknowledges a vital issue, but it also raises broader questions about the priorities of the city’s leadership. Residents will be keeping an EYE on and watching closely to see how this and future decisions shape the direction of Fernandina Beach.
