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Honoring the rich life and loving memory of Jaci Adams: the longest serving member of the Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee; fierce, beloved, and award winning leader within the Philadelphia LGBTQ communities; and passionate advocate for transgender and HIV/AIDS health initiatives.
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WHEREAS, Jaci Adams was the kind of person that best embodies the American Dream. Despite a past marred by childhood abuse and neglect, Jaci transformed her hardships into a vibrant and service-driven life characterized instead by an indomitable moral compass and infectious self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, Jaci Adams passed away from cancer on February 15, 2014. For many who were lucky enough to call her a friend, it was likely the first and only fight Jaci didn't win. Those that knew Jaci as an activist for LGBTQ rights and advocate for HIV/AIDS health were always their strongest with Jaci among their ranks—although she often led the charge; and
WHEREAS, Jaci Adams' passing was widely mourned throughout Philadelphia because for so many causes, individuals, and social justice campaigns, Jaci's service and passion were the keystone; and
WHEREAS, Jaci has rightly been referred to as a pillar of Philadelphia's LGBTQ communities. Perhaps the greatest testament to Jaci's life is that because of her tireless volunteerism and firebrand advocacy for the downtrodden, forgotten, and overlooked, the foundation of Philadelphia's LGBTQ communities is stronger than ever; and
WHEREAS, Even without one of its most adored and admired pillars, Jaci's work in building up so many others to lead has guaranteed Philadelphia LGBTQ communities a future worth applauding. Indeed her many generous community efforts have elicited applause and awards. Jaci was a tireless volunteer for the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Police Advisory Board. She was personally responsible for many City agencies transforming their policies to become welcoming to the transgender community and even trained rookie police officers; and
WHEREAS, Jaci has been memorialized as having, personally mentored dozens of young trans[gender] women, as well as being a leader for a broader community of trans[gender people], gay and questioning men, gender-non-conforming people, and straight allies. She saw to it that many got the opportunities that she never had, for decent housing, education, and the support of friends and advocates. She had a global knowledge of the service system in Philadelphia enabling her to direct anyone in need to exactly who could help them...Because of the influence of Jaci Adams over many years, all of us grew in awareness and understanding of a vibrant and creative community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize, honor, and memorialize the profoundly influential life of Jaci Adams for her lifelong commitment to the service of transgender people everywhere and the Philadelphia LGBTQ communities. May the next generation of Philadelphians honor her legacy by following in her fierce and generous footsteps.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the surviving chosen family of Jaci Adams as evidence of the sincere sentments of this legislative body.
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