Trans Day of Visibility event at Anne Arundel County library sparks protest, debate
An Anne Arundel County library provided a safe space on Monday for members of the transgender and nonbinary communities despite backlash from outside protesters.
The Glen Burnie branch hosted its Trans Day of Visibility event with crafts, making pronoun pins, and other activities.
"The library is one of the last free safe spaces," said Christine Feldmann, with the Anne Arundel County Public Library. "There are trans and non-binary people under attack. They're under attack in their communities and at the federal level. We are here as a safe place where they can come and be supported, because the library is for everyone."
Those in favor of the event say it creates a safe space for everyone to learn and be themselves.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said in a statement that the Glen Burnie Library's Trans Pride Party "offers a safe and welcoming space for transgender individuals and their allies."
"Anne Arundel County libraries have always created environments where everyone feels valued and respected," Pittman added. "Any attempt to politicize this event and threaten federal funding undermines this work. Our libraries are essential resources for all Anne Arundel County residents, and I will continue to prioritize programs that promote understanding and belonging."
The library says it will continue to hold trans events like this moving forward.
Against the Trans Day event
The library's Trans Day of Visibility event divided many in the Glen Burnie and Anne Arundel County communities.
Protesters and counter-protesters were lined up outside the Glen Burnie library, holding up signs and chanting.
Those against the Trans Day event say there are only two genders, and they accuse the library of grooming children.
"Statistically, transgender people, whom I love many, and homosexuals, whom I love many, statistically, 1% end up engaged in pedophilia," said Anne Arundel County resident Brad Stern. "The odds of them at a library with children is exceedingly high, and I don't want to see children hurt."
Stern also said the government shouldn't fund events like this.
Republican Congressman Andy Harris, who doesn't represent Anne Arundel County, shared the same sentiments on X, formerly Twitter, saying that taxpayers shouldn't fund the event.
"[My goal is] to end the government endorsement of these activities, period," Stern said. "The government doesn't need to be involved. We don't need to parade it around. Your sexuality is your own at home."
Pro-transgender pride event
Dozens gathered outside to counter-protest in support of the library's Trans Day event. They told protesters to "love thy neighbor" and said people should choose love instead of hate.
"If they want the LGBT+ community to keep our sexuality at home, then they need to keep their sexuality at home and stop forcing kids to automatically become heterosexual," said Edward Yingling, from Linthicum, Maryland.
Event organizers say the library will continue to host events that promote community.
"The library is a place you can come, check out a book, attend a program that you enjoy, but you can't stop people from doing the same," Feldmann said.
Baltimore City celebrates transgender, nonbinary
The Baltimore City Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs collaborated with the Maryland Safe Haven for a Trans Day of Visibility celebration at Baltimore City Hall on Monday.
Community leaders said the purpose of the event was to promote and uplift members of the transgender and nonbinary communities.
The City Hall event included a panel discussion, speeches by city leaders, a call to action to build legislative power, resources, and networking.
"As we mark Trans Day of Visibility this year, trans and nonbinary people across our nation are being unfairly targeted by hateful policies and rhetoric, much of it from the highest levels of our government. Baltimore chooses a different path," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. "We reject all attempts to dismiss, deny, or erase LGBTQIA+ people. Trans visibility means seeing a more inclusive and complete version of our city."
What is Trans Day of Visibility?
According to GLAAD, or the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Trans Day of Visibility is recognized each year as a way to raise awareness about transgender people and to highlight the struggles they go through.
International Trans Day of Visibility was created in 2010 in response to violence against transgender people.
