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WHEREAS, in 2009, the Initiative for Transgender Leadership (ITL) was founded by RT Peck, Jen Saffron, and Madeleine Hershey, dedicated community leaders who together were affectionately called the Trifecta; and,
WHEREAS, ITL's mission is to positively affect community life by promoting the professional and leadership development of transgender youth; and,
WHEREAS, ITL began with the simple belief that transforming the life of one transgender young person can transform the world-ITL stands for freedom of expression for each and every person; and,
WHEREAS, ITL, now also led by Rayden Sorock, exists in an ecosystem of other LGBTQ organizations who work together for positive change in our community, collaborating with individuals and non-profits who support and train youth in leadership, employment, and life skills; and,
WHEREAS, people from all over the world have contributed individual donations, pledges, time, and support, and while ITL received small grants from grassroots foundations, it is an organization primarily supported by individuals who stand in solidarity for civil rights; and,
WHEREAS, RT, Jen, and Madeleine dedicated their lives to furthering human rights, with the existence and success of ITL as proof of that dedication; and,
WHEREAS, tragically, Madeleine Hershey died in her home on January 17, 2015, having been a devoted and loving life partner to Michelle Wirth. In her personal charter, Madeleine declared: "My purpose in life is to expose all beings to their own magnificence. The values at the heart of who I am are love, integrity, compassion, play." ITL is one of Madeleine's many legacies, and will serve as a daily reminder to those who loved her that she fulfilled her purpose in life.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Madeleine Hershey and the Initiative for Transgender Leadership for recognizing that one motivated young trans person can change the ...
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