She held court sitting on a donated chair. New faces peeked out from the door with caution during the Madison Area Transgender Association (MATA) support group. Ginger Baier waved them into the safe space with her red, manicured nails. Her hair color complemented each outfit, as did strands of necklaces and bracelets that she would twist and adjust while she listened.

Ginger was seen, and she made damn sure of it.

From local politics to public speaking, she never strayed from her authenticity and passion about LGBTQ+ rights. She was honest, kind, courageous, and quick-witted, which made some cheeks blush—to her amusement. Her laugh made her head tilt back, as if the joyful sound needed more room to escape.

Fifteen years ago, Ginger was a client at OutReach LGBT Community Center, attending a transgender support group. She was quiet, observing from the back of the room with another newcomer, Corrine. The two became fast friends, with Ginger volunteering at OutReach, as she convinced Corrine to join in on a favorite outlet: Dancing. If you looked for Ginger at 10:00 on a Friday or Saturday night, she was on the dance floor with her drink of choice: Half cranberry juice and half Sprite.

During her time at OutReach, Ginger became a leader of MATA; a member on the Board of Directors; then as the Transgender Advocate staff position. She was a massive force in developing MATA and the Transgender programming at OutReach. In 2021, Ginger left her role, but it didn’t go unnoticed. She took home a big box of countless cards and words of gratitude from community members who were moved by Ginger’s services.

Unexpectedly, the 73-year old matriarch died on April 14 while biking on a sunny afternoon.

The community is grieving a powerhouse, a mother hen, a confidant, and a trailblazer. According to close friends, Ginger didn’t want a funeral, but she also was afraid to be forgotten. The glamorous matriarch who made sure that others weren’t cast aside, sometimes questioned if she made a lasting impact. The answer is an echoing “yes!”

To Ginger, with love.