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Local LGBTQ advocates gathered outside Luther Jackson Middle School in Merrifield on Thursday evening, celebrating the upcoming Transgender Day of Visibility while urging the community to stand together amid growing uncertainty over transgender rights.
The half-hour rally took place before a Fairfax County School Board meeting and drew apparent support from dozens of passing motorists who honked along Gallows Road. One driver lowered a window to make the message unmistakable.
“I’m supporting you all,” the driver shouted.
FCPS Pride co-chair Chris McCormick said increased visibility and community unity are especially important as transgender policies face challenges from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Right now, there’s a need for visibility,” McCormick said. “There’s a coming together as a community.”
McCormick said Fairfax County Public Schools has strongly supported LGBTQ students and employees within the limits of the law. The district’s transgender-inclusive policies have also prompted an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education.
Despite opposition, McCormick said FCPS leaders have continued supporting the LGBTQ community. Following the rally, the school board read a proclamation recognizing Monday, March 31, as Transgender Day of Visibility.
“There’s a tremendous amount of fear and anxiety,” McCormick said, “but I know we’re ready to meet this moment. We’re ready to resist and fight.”
Speakers shared personal stories as Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” played between remarks. They also invoked Marsha P. Johnson, the transgender woman and gay rights activist associated with the Stonewall uprising.
“I’m proud to work toward a future where everyone belongs,” said the Rev. Emma Chattin, senior pastor at the Fairfax-based Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia. “I want to be with those who know joy, who know how to dance. I’m proud to be trans.”
FCPS Pride took the lead in organizing the event with the student-run Pride Liberation Project. The student group plans dozens of protests around Virginia encouraging school boards to reject Trump administration policies targeting LGBTQ protections.
One executive order directs federal agencies to withhold funding from schools and athletic organizations that allow transgender female athletes to participate in women’s sports. The Virginia High School League, which oversees most high school athletics and competitions in the state, adopted a policy in February barring transgender girls from girls’ sports. FCPS said it was waiting for additional guidance before deciding how to proceed.
The Pride Liberation Project said more than three dozen students rallied at Prince William and Roanoke County school board meetings the previous week. Additional demonstrations are expected in York, Loudoun and Rockingham counties.