Transgender Allies Celebrate Milestone in Massachusetts

Boston, MA - Gov. Charlie Baker signed a transgender anti-discrimination bill into law with little fanfare Friday, but supporters were determined to hold a public celebration Monday.

Political leaders and activists gathered on the statehouse steps to celebrate the bill's passage this morning, even without the governor in attendance.

"In Massachusetts, love wins again," said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, one of the politicians who lined up to speak.

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The Massachusetts bill prohibits discrimination against transgender men and women in public places, and protects the ability to choose a restroom or other public facility that matches one's sexual identity, regardless of anatomical sex.

The bill, agreed upon last week after a month in committee limbo, passed quickly in both houses of the Legislature Thursday. Baker signed Friday and issued a statement that read in part, "No one should be discriminated against in Massachusetts because of their gender identity."

Wearing a green polo and a toothy grin, Jacob Lemay sat on the steps near the foot of the lectern as the series of politicians and activists spoke. He was there with mother Mimi, of Melrose, who penned a letter that was later published and went viral, commemorating his transition from Mia to Jacob.

"Jacob Lemay is front & center," tweeted the Massachusetts Freedom Coalition, "(one) of many trans youth who can now live free from fear of discrimination."

The new law takes full effect Oct. 1.

>> Photo via Maura Healey Twitter