PEORIA, Ill. — A group of Illinois Democratic lawmakers held a press conference today, marking the 13th annual International Transgender Day of Visibility.
“It’s always fitting to raise visibility about transgender people and to address issues faced by members of the community,” said Illinois Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford during the event Thursday.
She said the lack of “knowledge and understanding” about transgender people and transgender issues is “astonishing” to her.
Lightford has an openly transgender child.
During her statements, The Illinois Democrat said it’s not required for people to understand someone’s identity in order for them to show respect.
Holding back emotion, Lightford said she recognized her trans child’s gender identity when the child was 18 months old.
She called for patience and understanding from those Illinois parents who have children who are being faced with these issues either with their peers or in their school environments.
Lightford insists that rejecting and marginalizing trans youth only leads them to suicide.
Also speaking during the event, fellow Democratic Senator Mike Simmons said there is “hateful” legislation being proposed and passed in other states, referring to Florida’s recent so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill and a bill narrowly rejected in Idaho which would have criminally punished parents for allowing their children to undergo gender affirming hormonal treatments.
Wrapping up his comments, he said, “we’re going to continue to fight for what’s right for those in the trans community and what’s right for all people in Illinois.”
