On Saturday, as thousands of Kentuckians took to the streets across the state for No Kings Day, Lexington 4th District Councilwoman Emma Curtis spoke on the National Mall for Trans Day of Visibility.
"I know that it might feel strange to be celebrating Trans Day of Visibility in this moment of historic fear and division; when leaders in Congress, in the White House, and in state legislatures across this country are engaged in a full-on legislative assault on our basic freedoms, safety, and dignity," began Curtis. "But I want you to know that, while visibility comes with necessary vulnerability, it also comes with strength.
Curtis spoke alongside nationally recognized trans leaders like New Hampshire State House Representative Alice Wade, Air Force Master Sergeant Logan Ireland, and Rabbi Abby Stein. Curtis was introduced as the only openly trans elected official in Kentucky. She recounted her introduction to politics in her opposition to 2023's anti-trans omnibus bill, SB 150.
"Dozens of lawmakers that I met with from both parties, the overwhelming majority of them had never knowingly met a trans person before," said Curtis. "And, because they hadn't, it was easy for them to believe the hateful lies they been told about people like us. When they were face to face with me, it wasn't so easy to disregard my humanity.
Curtis urged the crowd to see Kentucky as proof of what's possible. She said anti-trans legislation nationwide uses a playbook tested in states like Kentucky - and that the response of trans Kentuckians and and their allies offers a model of self-advocacy and solidarity.
"We have been here. We have been doing the work. And I can tell you now, three years later as an openly trans elected official in one of those states, the single most effective deterrent that we have against these attacks is the mere presence of a visible and competent trans person in the rooms where decisions are made," said Curtis.
"My ask to each and every one of you is simple. Harness your visibility, embrace it, and take it and do good."
Listen to Curtis' full speech here: