Trans Day of Visibility

YMCA of Central New York is proud to support all trans and gender nonconforming individuals of all ages. As a national organization, the Y’s work is grounded in three areas of impact: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. At the YMCA of Central New York, this work will always include trans and gender nonconforming youth, adults, families, and individuals. We value our trans and gender nonconforming staff and members; and affirm that all people of all genders and ages deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and sovereignty. The YMCA of Central New York invites all within our community to stand with us in supporting access to healthcare, sports, bodily autonomy, and dignity FOR ALL. 

What does this look like for us in practice?  

• The YMCA of Central New York follows New York State Law, which includes upholding individuals’ legal right to choose which locker room and bathroom best aligns with their gender. Additionally, many of our facilities have private changing rooms available to all members of all genders. 

• We are proud annual sponsors of the YMCACNY Family Fun Area at the CNY Pride Festival and Parade, which takes place in June in Syracuse, NY. 

• LGBGTQ+ staff lead branches, initiatives, and projects across our organization. 

• We are working with national vendors to expand choices for gender markers in our systems.

• Locally, an LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group exists to provide a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ identifying staff. Nationally, an LGBTQ+ resource network provides this supportive space for LGBTQ+ staff across YUSA. 

• All YMCACNY leadership staff receive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) training, which includes literacy around expansive gender. 

• We host virtual LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency trainings with the Q Center, which are FREE and open to the public, all members, and our staff. 

• We continue to look for more opportunities to expand how we approach affirming trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals beyond what we already do. 

Here are some ways to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility:  

• Become familiar with important language and key terms via GLAAD’s LGBTQ Terms and Transgender Terms glossaries. 

• Read the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey of LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health. 

• Make a commitment to regularly use the stated pronouns of your friends, family, coworkers, and other people you meet. Practice if this is new for you. 

• Follow trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming creators on social media. 

• Affirm your support and care for trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people in your lives today and every day! 

• Research and support local organizations whose work centers support for trans and queer people of all ages. Some organizations in Central New York include The Q Center at ACR Health, CNY Pride, IHS Upstate, SAGE Upstate, and BlackCuse Pride. 

• Consider making a donation to the YMCA of Central New York’s annual campaign, to support camp, membership, and program scholarships for ALL youth and families, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.  

Thank you for joining us in celebrating Trans Day of Visibility and our ongoing commitment to creating safe, warm, welcoming, and inclusive spaces and experiences for ALL.