From protests and a Pride parade to working against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and more, the transgender community in Lawrence celebrated joy and resilience in many ways throughout 2023.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Pink, white and blue flags abounded Saturday as Lawrence community members gathered to show support for transgender cyclists during the Belgian Waffle Ride.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
With a zest to learn the ins and outs of community organizing and civic engagement, two human rights advocates from the Balkans have made Lawrence their temporary home for four weeks.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Ruby Johnson said she began to live as herself when she came out in Lawrence. She asked city commissioners Tuesday evening to adopt a safe haven ordinance to create more protections for transgender and gender-nonconforming people. And they did, 5-0.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence community members and representatives from organizations gathered Saturday morning at South Park for a rally with a strong message: Pride never ends.
No SB 180 in Lawrence, a group of local activists who have joined together to fight Kansas’ anti-transgender legislation, will host a celebration of trans performers and a call for action on Tuesday.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
After hearing from about 70 people Tuesday, Vice Mayor Bart Littlejohn encouraged people to reach out to the city to discuss possibilities for an ordinance to protect transgender and gender-nonconforming people from Kansas’ anti-trans legislation.
Mackenzie Clark/Lawrence Times
Though many LGBTQ+ people and others may leave the state of Kansas repulsed by legislation targeting gender diversity, Adam Kellogg said he’ll have to be dragged out by his ears. “I will not stop fighting for the kids that can’t leave,” he said.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Nearly three dozen people spoke to the Lawrence City Commission Tuesday, asking commissioners to make Lawrence a sanctuary city for transgender and nonbinary people by taking a stand against the Kansas Legislature.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
The Lawrence PRIDE parade and block party brought colorful celebration to downtown Saturday, but they also included messages of support and resistance for transgender and gender-nonconforming folks who have been targeted by legislation in Kansas and beyond.
