NYC Trans Icon Voices Historic Inauguration As Zohran Mamdani Becomes New York Mayor
Image: Image: Instagram
New York City ushered in a historic new chapter this week as Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the city鈥檚 youngest and first Muslim mayor, with the ceremony marked by an iconic moment for the trans community.
Mamdani’s inauguration was hosted by an icon from New Yorks trans community known to many across the city.
An iconic inauguration for Zohran Mamdani聽
The inauguration for Zohran Mamdani, held on Thursday January 1, was voiced by Bernie Wagenblast New York City subway鈥檚 iconic announcer and a proudly out trans woman whose voice is instantly recognisable to millions of commuters in the city.
Wagenblast narrated the ceremony live, with viewers on television recognising her familiar on the official live broadcast.
Mamdani was sworn in using the Qur鈥檃n, the first mayor to do so, and promised bold leadership in his inaugural address.
Reflecting on the the moment, he said a 鈥渕oment like this comes rarely and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose hands are upon the lever of change.鈥�
鈥淭he only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations. Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.鈥�
Ahead of the ceremony, Mamdani confirmed Wagenblast鈥檚 involvement, saying she was 鈥減leased to join you and be the announcer this afternoon.鈥�
Wagenblast later shared on social media that she was beginning the new year on a 鈥渉igh note鈥� by lending her voice to the occasion.
She shared some behind the scenes images on her Instagram, stating that “one of the little things that made me smile, was getting to introduce the elected officials to the music from 鈥淚 鉂わ笍 New York.鈥� One of my favorite commercial jingles.”
View this post on Instagram
Wagenblast, 69, has worked in transportation journalism since 1976 and founded the Transportation Communications 今日吃瓜letter in 1998.
Her voice is heard by more than a billion subway riders each year and has also featured across PATH services, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and during the laying of the first cornerstone of One World Trade Center.
She publicly came out as a trans woman in January 2023, sharing that her full name is Bernadette, while still welcoming the name Bernie.
View this post on Instagram
You May Also Like
