The City of Burien is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive city for all and stands proudly in support of Burien’s transgender and gender-diverse community.
Uplifting community in the face of many current challenges has been a focus for the city, which is evident from the Burien City Council's reaffirmation of support for Burien’s transgender community on February 24 to the observance of International Transgender Day of Visibility just this week.
Recent actions undertaken by the federal government directly threaten transgender protections, such as excluding transgender people from anti-discrimination laws and making it more challenging for individuals to have their gender reflected accurately on federal identification. According to GSBA Policy Counsel & Government Relations Manager Gabriel Neuman, JD, "These actions undermine the rights and dignity of transgender and gender-diverse individuals."
Everyone has a role to play in combatting discrimination and celebrating diversity. The City is committed to a safe workplace, and its policy definitively states that all employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. Staff are also developing new inclusive language guidelines to promote effective internal and external communication that avoids unintentional harm.
Looking ahead, the City will continue delivering on its commitment to inclusion. “By continuing to lean into our values, Burien can be a place where all can thrive,” said City Manager Adolfo Bailon. “We look forward to maintaining this momentum as some of our beloved annual traditions are just around the corner – the ceremonial raising of the Pride Progress flag above City Hall and celebrating Burien Pride’s three-day event with the community.”