06/01/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/02/2021 08:01
Arnold is active in the Chicago LGBTQ+ community - both through her position on the board of Howard Brown and on the mayor's LGBTQ+ advisory council. As a lifetime recipient of affirming care from Howard Brown, Arnold is committed to making sure these resources are available and accessible to others in the transgender community.
Through the advisory council, she takes an active role in ensuring that the community's voice is heard in major decisions for the city of Chicago. 'The council is one of many that helps our mayor better understand the specific needs of different communities within our city,' said Arnold.
Arnold is leading the council to achieve two specific goals - healthcare equity and violence prevention. 'It's no secret that the trans community faces violence throughout the world,' she said.
This year, U.S. Bank made a $25,000 donation to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Transgender Justice Initiative that will help address the root causes behind that violence by supporting the economic empowerment of the community and creating greater access to pathways to employment through job fairs and training opportunities.
'The trans community absolutely needs more attention among the LGBTQ+ community,' said Ervin Blanco, U.S. Bank district manager. 'Working with Maliyah, we've learned a ton, and there is always more to learn and grow. The only way to do that is how we're showing up - by investing money, time and effort into the cause.'
Arnold herself shared her story about coming out, and transitioning to her gender, at work. 'There is such an incredible sense of identity that comes with starting a career,' she wrote at the time. 'It becomes an integral part of who we are and is displayed as a badge of honor when we identify with others in the world. I am proud that I've had the opportunity to begin my career at an institution that truly celebrates and encourages diversity in the workplace.