Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins Encourages Community Support and Awareness
Watch the News Conference Here
In honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is launching the “Seen, Safe, Supported: Westchester Stands with You” campaign, an initiative aimed at reminding gender diverse residents who feel threatened, harassed, or in need of support that they are not alone.
• Seen: Transgender identity is valid, and their presence enriches our community. We aim for the transgender, gender nonconforming, non-binary and intersex members of our community to feel seen here.
• Safe: If a member of the transgender community experiences a threat to personal safety or damage to property, they can feel safe to report it to local law enforcement or call 9-1-1.
• Supported: If a member of the transgender community experiences discrimination, report it to the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, the branch of County government best equipped to address these issues.
Jenkins said: "Together, we celebrate visibility, promote understanding, and build a community where everyone can live authentically and without fear. Visibility is just the beginning. We want every transgender, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex individual in our community to know they have a safe place to turn. Whether it’s reporting discrimination, seeking resources, or simply feeling heard — we are here for you."
The “Seen, Safe, Supported: Westchester Stands with You” campaign urges you to:
• Call 911 if you need emergency assistance.
• Call your local police department if you are the victim of threats, harassment or acts of violence.
• Call the Westchester County Human Rights Commission (914) 995-9500 or email at if you are the victim of an incident of bias, hate or discrimination. Alternatively, you may report incidents of bias, hate or discrimination anonymously (or with your contact information) at www.westchestergov.com/biasreporting.
• These resources are available to anyone in Westchester, regardless of immigration status.
Westchester County Human Rights Commissioner Tejash Sanchala said: “Gender inclusion is a bedrock value of Westchester County, and the County Human Rights Law is a leader in protecting against anti-transgender discrimination. The Commission is dedicated to enforcing those longstanding protections and connecting community members with resources. Everyone deserves to live, work, travel, and enjoy their community free from discrimination.”
Westchester County Police Commissioner Terrance Raynor stated: "The safety and well-being of every resident in Westchester County is our top priority. We strongly urge members of the transgender community to report any threats, harassment, or acts of violence. Our officers are dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, feels safe, supported, and protected in our County."
White Plains Police Commissioner David Chong said: “White Plains is a very diverse city and we are committed to ensuring safety for all residents regardless of their identity. We welcome free expression and all communities to come and be yourselves and feel absolutely protected and accepted in White Plains.”
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center Chief Executive Officer Judy Troilo said: “The trans community is under attack, and now more than ever, we must stay united. We’re grateful to Westchester County and County Executive Ken Jenkins for standing in solidarity with our community.”
Westchester County LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Chair Rachel Simon said: “On Transgender Day of Visibility I am celebrating the gender diverse community that is living their authentic lives in the face of persistent and ugly attacks. Cisgender members of our community have an opportunity to serve and support some of the most marginalized among us as active allies, I’m happy to work with the Westchester County government to provide some of that allyship.”
LOFT Senior Program Manager for Trans Support of the Hudson Valley Jyoni Tetsuro-Shuler said: “Being a trans-identified individual, I struggle to navigate the seemingly contradictory celebration of trans excellence, perseverance, and progress amidst the present realities of trans struggle, overwhelm, and fear. Yet above all, we know as trans and gender expansive people that active resilience, mutual support, and community empowerment have and will continue to keep us afloat in a world that seldom recognizes - let alone celebrates - all that we uniquely contribute to society through our existence."
Westchester County is proud to be a community that provides protections for all its residents, regardless of gender identity or gender expression. We value diversity and champion equality.