MAYOR LINDA GORTON
June 11, 2021
Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee C/O Stamp Development
U.S. Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300 Washington, DC 20260-3501
To Whom It May Concern,
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
I write you today to fully support the creation of stamps to honor founder of the International Court System Jose Julio Sarria, Latina civil rights pioneer Sylvia Rivera, and trailblazer in diversity and gender identity Marsha P. Johnson.
As a Lexington Councilmember, Vice Mayor, and now Mayor, I have been proud to proactively support our LGBTQ residents – passing Kentucky’s first countywide Fairness Ordinance protecting the LGBTQ community from employment, housing and public accommodation discrimination, sponsoring domestic partner benefits for City employees, and working with our Council to pass a recent ban on conversion therapy, protecting Lexington’s youth from this potentially harmful practice. I support and honor our LGBTQ community and the many ways they make Lexington, Kentucky, the nation and world better.
I find it appropriate to develop a postage stamp honoring each of the aforementioned individuals. Jose Julio Sarria was a trailblazer – the first openly gay candidate for public office and founder of the International Court System, which serves the LGBTQ community in so many ways.
Sylvia Rivera stood up to authorities as a veteran of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. She was a dedicated activist, fighting for those who were left behind as the gay rights movement became mainstream.
Marsha P. Johnson formed an organization offering shelter and support to the transgender community. Along with Sylvia, Marsha was a prominent figure of the Stonewall Riots. She left behind a legacy of supporting our black transgender residents.
With this knowledge, these three individuals deserve the same recognition bestowed upon Harvey Milk with a postage stamp in their honor. I support the International Court System and National LGBTQ+ Taskforce LGBTQ+ Heroes Stamp Campaign.
Sincerely,
Linda Gorton Mayor
CC: Nicole Murray Ramirez; John Carrillo; Nicole Diamond