It’s officially Transgender Day of Visibility in Manteca on Monday, March 31.

But if clearly isn’t being supported by two Manteca City Council members — Regina Lackey and Dave Breitenbucher.

The two, who had just participated in a council presentation declaring March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day in Manteca at Tuesday’s meeting, stepped away for the Transgender Day proclamation.

That left Mayor Gary Singh,  along with council members Mike Morowit and Charlie Halford, to make the presentation proclaiming March 31 as International Transgender Day Visibility in Manteca.

James Patnaude, a transgender service specialist with the San Joaquin Pride Center, accepted the proclamation.

Patnaude, who graduated from Manteca schools, describes himself as “an indigenous, queer, and transgender man” on his Linked in page.

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an annual event celebrated on March 31.

It is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender individuals worldwide, as well as celebrating their contributions to society. Transgender Day of Visibility has been held every year since its creation by trans advocate Rachel Crandall in 2010. 

Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, created TDOV as she found that media often focused on violence against the transgender community, but not on who the transgender community is.

The proclamation notes “transgender individuals in Manteca, and beyond contribute to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of our community and deserve to be recognized and supported in their right to live authentically and safely.”

It also states “fostering understanding, acceptance, and equality for transgender people promotes a more inclusive and unified community, ensuring that all residents feel valued and respected. The City of Manteca is committed to recognizing and honoring the contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender identity, and reaffirms its dedication to diversity and inclusion.”

City offices will be closed on Monday, March 31, but not for the observation of Transgender Day of Visibility.

They will be closed as March 31 is a state holiday marking the birthday of civil rights activist and farmworker unionizer Caser Chavez.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com