WHEREAS, all people deserve to live in a state that respects their dignity, safety, and overall well-being through the promotion of equal and fair treatment for everyone; and
WHEREAS, members of the transgender community are engaged as productive residents of our state who contribute to North Carolina’s progress and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, transgender people continue to face high levels of discrimination, fear, stigma, and bias that can fuel abuse and violence against North Carolina’s transgender community; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina benefits from the diversity of its population and seeks to promote inclusion of all people as a testament to our shared values of dignity, equity, and fair treatment for everyone without regard to gender identity or expression; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina, through its public laws, policies, and practices, condemns any and all acts of violence; and
WHEREAS, Transgender Day of Remembrance helps bring public awareness to hate crimes against transgender people and honors the memory of those harmed and killed by senseless acts of violence each year; and
WHEREAS, on this day of observance, North Carolina commits to moving forward together to promote inclusion, equity, and understanding of transgender people in every community across our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 20, 2020, as “TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.