Transgender House

Once a year, the Equality House transforms itself from the colors of the pride flag to the colors of the transgender flag. On one such occasion, Kansas City resident (and Super Mom) Debi Jackson brought her 7 year old transgender daughter, Avery, to visit the house.

 

Seeing the house painted the transgender flag colors made Avery realize that there was a community of people out there that were supportive of her. It was that day she decided to start showing her face in pictures because she knew she’d be safe and accepted. “I loved the Rainbow House when it was painted like the transgender flag. I felt so happy and proud to be transgender.”

 

Although gender identity is classified as a human right under the United Nations Human Rights Council, unfortunately, throughout the world transgender people are met with violence and bullying. Because of this, the suicide rates within the transgender community are among the highest in the world.

 

Because of this staggering statistic, the fact that basic, fundamental human rights are being violated against the trans community, and because we are so inspired by Avery’s courage and strength, Planting Peace has decided to seek expansion of the Equality House and raise funds to secure the property directly next to the Equality House and permanently paint it the color of the transgender flag. There is no better spokesperson and partner for this project than Avery, and no better place to counter hate than to put this symbol of love and acceptance for the transgender community next to the Equality House across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church, an international symbol of hate known for its vile campaigns against the LGBT community.

 

“I wish people weren’t afraid of transgender people. I’m not a monster. I’m not scary. I just want to be treated like every other human,” Avery said. Both Avery and her mother voiced their excitement about the project. “The Equality House has always been a positive, iconic landmark for LGBT people to visit,” Debi said. “I would love to see a Transgender House embraced the same way…with enthusiasm, love and pride.”

 

Join with Avery and Planting Peace here: