Transgender Workplace Diversity

Black respondents in Nat'l Transgender Discrimination Survey Fared Far Worse

2011-09-17T08:40:00.000-04:00

Windy City Times - Injustice at Every Turn: Black respondents in Nat'l Transgender Discrimination Survey - 212: Black transgender and gender non-conforming people face some of the highest levels of discrimination of all transgender people according to a new analysis released today, Injustice at Every Turn: A Look at Black Respondents in the National Transgender Discrimination Survey.

This report by the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is a supplement to the groundbreaking national study, Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, which was published in February and revealed widespread discrimination experienced by transgender and gender non-conforming people across the board.

Discrimination was pervasive for the entire sample, but anti-transgender bias coupled with structural racism meant that transgender people of color experienced particularly devastating levels of discrimination, with Black respondents often faring worse than all others.

Springfield commissioners pass anti-discrimination ordinance - Springfield Sun - Montgomery News

2011-09-17T08:38:00.000-04:00

Springfield commissioners pass anti-discrimination ordinance - Springfield Sun - Montgomery News: After nearly a year of discussion, the Springfield, Pennsylvania, Township Board of Commissioners voted 4-2 Wednesday to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance in front of a full room of mostly supportive community members.

Ill. Trans Woman Wins Discrimination Suit

2011-09-15T09:34:00.000-04:00

Ill. Trans Woman Wins Discrimination Suit | Law | The Advocate: In what may be the first award to a transgender person under the Illinois Human Rights Act, a taxi company has been ordered to pay more than $100,000 for discrimination against a transgender employee.

The discriminatory conduct here was particularly egregious, so the large award is not surprising.

Transgender Programming at the Out & Equal Workplace Summit in Dallas, TX

2011-09-02T08:16:00.001-04:00

The Out & Equal Workplace Summit in Dallas, TX in October is having some excellent programming on trans issues, including sessions on the business case and design/implementation of transgender benefits, the role of workplace equality in the lives of trans workers, transition guideline development, including the T in ERGs, Boeing's approach to the intersection of work and situation, the business case for trans-inclusive health benefits, and the status of trans-inclusive healthcare in the Corporate Equality Index.

Cali. Senate Passes Gender Identity Protections

2011-09-02T07:51:00.000-04:00

While existing California law had long been interpreted to protect trans citizens, the law has now been amended to provide explicit protections.

Cali. Senate Passes Gender Identity Protections | Care2 Causes: The California Senate this week passed a bill that would strengthen the state’s existing nondiscrimination laws to explicitly protect trans citizens.

The legislation, known as the Gender Nondiscrimination Act (AB 887), passed in a vote of 25-13. The state Assembly passed the legislation in May by 54-24.

Iowa fires 3 civil rights investigators for discriminatory emails

2011-08-23T07:25:00.000-04:00

It is important to understand that civil rights agencies, nor, for that matter, judges, do not always understand or respect civil rights and civil rights law. Here is another story that it is wise to keep in mind.

APNewsBreak: Iowa fires 3 investigators for emails - Houston Chronicle: Three Iowa civil rights investigators have been fired after sending hundreds of gossipy emails calling co-workers derogatory nicknames like "Psycho," ''Monster," and "Roid Rage," and forwarding pictures that made fun of fat people, Wal-Mart customers and others, according to public records and interviews.

Iowa Administrative Judge James Timberland upheld their termination from the agency, noting that they traded and received emails "that made fun of and/or ridiculed obese people, gay, transgendered and/or transvestite people, elderly people, Walmart customers, African-American men, white high school students, white men, and white people generally."

Interpretation of Gender -- Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast

2011-08-23T07:10:00.000-04:00

8-22-11: Our Interpretation of Gender � Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast: In light of the Governor's vow to work on transgender non-discrimination legislation, and to help us understand our notions of gender, Sheilah speaks with Paz Galupo, Professor of Psychology and Director of LGBT Studies at Towson University.

You can also listen to a conversation we had this past spring with transgender advocate Sandy Rawls, about the frequency with which violence occurs in the transgender community. Sandy is the president and founder of Trans-United, an organization devoted to providing help and support to the transgender community.

And for an in-depth look at the obstacles members of the transgender community face in daily life, this 2007 piece called “In Between Days” from Baltimore’s City Paper is definitely worth a read.

'Trans'-cending stereotypes: Tackling transgender bias in the workplace - Business Management Daily

2011-08-22T07:09:00.000-04:00

Here is an article in Business Management Daily from an employer's perspective about addressing transgender issues in the workplace. It's generally favorable, but I must disagree with the statement that federal courts are reluctant to extend protection to transgender employees. In fact, more than a dozen federal district courts have ruled in favor of transgender employees, and the 6th Circuit federal Court of Appeals, which includes the states of Kenutcky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee, has also ruled that transgender people are entitled to protection.

'Trans'-cending stereotypes: Tackling transgender bias in the workplace - Business Management Daily: You can’t ignore transgender issues. And in New Jersey, you can’t ignore discriminatory behavior and harassment against transgender employees. That would be illegal under the NJLAD, and could result in costly litigation.

To minimize the possibility of discrimination against transgender employees in your workplace, follow these tips:

Train managers and employees to be sensitive and understanding toward transgender employees.
Allow transgender employees to express their preferred gender identity in the workplace.
Treat leaves of absence for sexual reassignment procedures the same as other scheduled medical procedures.

Transgender challenges

2011-08-21T13:09:00.000-04:00

An interesting, though short article today in the Windsor Star out of Ontario.

Transgender challenges: IT specialist Brad Sensabaugh can't help but wonder how some of his colleagues at the TD Bank Group in London, Ont., will react when the story of his private life hits the media spotlight.

That he is anything more than the bright, tech-savvy 33-year-old man they've come to know and respect since he joined the bank has likely never crossed their minds.

The article is generally favorable for trans people, but also broaches the limits of tolerance as it discusses the case of a transsexual man who is transitioning while working at a womens' domestic violence shelter, which is reminiscent of the Nixon case that occurred in Canada a while back.

HR Magazine - Diversity: interview with Fiona Cannon, director of diversity and inclusion at Lloyds Banking Group

2011-07-20T06:48:00.000-04:00

UK-based Lloyds Banking Group talks diversity:

HR Magazine - Diversity: interview with Fiona Cannon, director of diversity and inclusion at Lloyds Banking Group: "In other words, LBG has twigged to the amount of money that comes into the bank from diverse customer bases - and for them to wish to bank with Lloyds, customers need to engage with staff they can empathise with.

'Half our customers are women,' Cannon explains. 'Three million of our customers have a disability. The disabled market is worth �80 billion a year to the economy and this is set to grow with an ageing population.'

The same is true for ethnic minority customers - worth a potential estimated �103 billion annually to the country, according to Cannon - as well as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) market, thought to be worth �70 billion."

FAQ: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act

2011-07-20T06:46:00.000-04:00

Another good article from the Center For American Progress:

FAQ: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act: "FAQ: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act
What You Need to Know"

Gay and Transgender Discrimination Outside the Workplace

2011-07-20T06:45:00.000-04:00

From the Center For American Progress, a good review of the issues:

Gay and Transgender Discrimination Outside the Workplace: "Gay and Transgender Discrimination Outside the Workplace
Why We Need Protections in Housing, Health Care, and Public Accommodations"

Alaska sued in transgender driver's license case - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

2011-07-19T08:20:00.000-04:00

Alaska sued in transgender driver's license case - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee: "The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the state of Alaska on behalf of a transgender woman, alleging that it denied her a driver's license listing her gender as female unless she provided proof that she'd undergone a sex change operation.

The lawsuit, which ACLU said was filed in state court in Anchorage Monday, states that denying the woman a license that accurately reflects her gender identity because she hasn't undergone surgery is unconstitutional."

Working While Transgender: An Occupational Hazard?

2011-07-11T11:25:00.000-04:00

A well-written article on Huffington Post:

Ilene H. Lang: Working While Transgender: An Occupational Hazard?

A Mother’s Transition Story: Part 1: The Beginning - Ferndale, MI Patch

2011-07-07T07:34:00.000-04:00

Editor's note: The author and her son are using pseudonyms for this article. This is not due to any sense of shame on their parts. It is done to protect Kyle, who does not want his employment jeopardized. Michigan law does not protect transgender employees.

A Mother’s Transition Story: Part 1: The Beginning - Ferndale, MI Patch: "Editor's note: The author and her son are using pseudonyms for this article. This is not due to any sense of shame on their parts. It is done to protect Kyle, who does not want his employment jeopardized. Michigan law does not protect transgender employees."

Bishop Gene Robinson on HuffPo: Employees Should Be Judged on Performance, Not Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

2011-07-07T07:33:00.000-04:00

Bishop Robinson is the Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire and a visiting Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, Washington, D.C.

Bishop Gene Robinson: Employees Should Be Judged on Performance, Not Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity: "She is surrounded by a work environment that is largely hostile to the fact that she once lived her life as a man but now finds a fulfilling life as the woman she was created to be. She lives in fear--not only of the violence so prevalent against transgender people (the murder rate for transgender people is astronomically high), but also the constant threat of losing her job because of her gender"

Denied Gender Change at DMV: Government Workers Need More Education | SouthFloridaGayNews.com

2011-06-30T08:19:00.000-04:00

Changing government ID can be very difficult, even when the law is in your favor, and government officials often feel free to give vent to prejudice.

Denied Gender Change at DMV: Government Workers Need More Education | SouthFloridaGayNews.com: "I returned to the Florida DMV to have my gender marker changed and after standing in line for 3 hours to my amazement I was denied. I was informed that only a supervisor could change the gender marker on my license and it seemed the supervisor was not at work that day.

I was flabbergasted because I had followed all of the instructions word for word yet I was turned away and refused."

She never did succeed in having her ID changed.

Career Stopped Because of Employment Discrimination

2011-06-30T08:05:00.000-04:00

Nancy Nangeroni, a highly regarded trans advocate, tells her story, one that is, unfortunately, all too common:

Bay Windows - New England's largest GLBT newspaper: "My successes included a patented design that gave Bose a significant advantage over competitors; the first successful electronic telephone ringer transducer; and a PC plug-in card that became a telephony industry standard for 10 years. As you probably know, 10 years is a long time in the PC industry."

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Issues Guidance on Transgender Employees | Just Out

2011-06-08T12:01:00.000-04:00

The federal government has been working on these guidelines for a while. I am glad to see that these are finally out.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Issues Guidance on Transgender Employees | Just Out: "Federal agencies can no longer use ignorance as an excuse when it comes to the (mis)treatment of transgender employees. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management outlined in a Friday memo policies and concepts relating to the employment of transgender people as well as guidelines for when an employee transitions in the workplace."

Interference not needed � Ventura County Star

2011-06-08T10:57:00.000-04:00

This is a letter to the editor of the Ventura County Star newspaper, objecting to non-discrimination laws generally, and particularly those for trans employees. I post this here so that we can see the face of public rejection of such laws: not that I am prejudiced, but that prejudiced employers need protection. It is obvious that this person has no idea what kind of discrimination we are facing, partly because he or she has not, and cannot, experience it. It is too bad there is no treatment for lack of empathy.

Interference not needed -- Ventura County Star: "If an employee needs the protection of government, then he or she probably isn’t contributing sufficiently to the success of the organization and need to be booted anyway."

Las Vegas Business Press :: News : Shield for transgenders

2011-06-08T10:41:00.000-04:00

A personal story about the new Nevada non-discrimination law.

Las Vegas Business Press :: News : Shield for transgenders: "Imagine losing a job that paid more than $100,000 a year, losing your health insurance and being forced from your home, all just because people didn't like who you are.

Karen Grayson says all that happened to her after people discovered the person they always knew as a man was part of the transgender community and sometimes dressed as a woman.

Now Grayson, who is transitioning from a man into a woman, is hoping a new state law banning job discrimination against transgender individuals will prevent others from suffering a similar fate."

California Bill Could Protect Cross-Dressing in the Work Force - FoxNews.com

2011-06-07T07:54:00.001-04:00

This news headline and story from Fox News is interesting, because it makes no mention of the fact that California already protects gender identity and expression in the workplace. The new law would add those words to the civil rights statute in order to clarify that such protection already exists. Thus, the new law would provide no greater protection than the old. It appears as if the story is focused on the fears of opponents, rather than the facts of the proposal. The article also implies that the potential prejudices of customers, real or perceived, should permit an employer to fire an employee based on protected characteristics, whether gender identity, race or religion.

California Bill Could Protect Cross-Dressing in the Work Force - FoxNews.com: "A California bill working its way through the state legislature providing more protection for transgender individuals in the workplace could allow for cross-dressing employees to wear whatever they want to work, despite workplace dress codes."

CT House moves law to prohibit transgender discrimination

2011-06-06T12:43:00.000-04:00

In 2000, the Connecticut Human Rights Commission ruled that transgender employees are protected in Connecticut. There have been several attempts to add "gender identity" to legislation in Connecticut. Here is the latest.

The Day - House moves to protect those who change gender | News from southeastern Connecticut: "The Democrat-controlled state House passed an anti-discrimination bill late Thursday night that supporters said would protect transgender people from discrimination"

Coming Out In The Chemical Sciences

2011-06-03T08:49:00.000-04:00

Everyone know that "chemistry" can be important in the workplace environment. Here's what actual chemists have to say about it.

Coming Out In The Chemical Sciences | Employment | Chemical & Engineering News: "Job satisfaction is even harder to attain for transgender chemists.

“Michael,” who asked that his name be changed for this story, transitioned from female to male when he was an undergraduate student. Now a postdoc in a chemistry department at a large research university, Michael says he has not told anybody at his workplace about his gender reassignment out of fear of repercussions. “My past experiences have shown me that if I am out, it dramatically changes the way that people interact with me, and it makes me feel unsafe in my work environment,” he says."

Baptist Press - 'Gender identity' repeal bill goes to Tenn. gov.

2011-05-26T10:16:00.000-04:00

Baptist Press - 'Gender identity' repeal bill goes to Tenn. gov.; SBC leaders urge him to sign - News with a Christian Perspective: "In what apparently would be a first-in-the-nation type of law impacting religious freedom, the Tennessee legislature gave final passage May 18 to a bill revoking a Nashville ordinance that protects employees based on their homosexuality or transgender status, and Southern Baptist leaders quickly appealed to Gov. Bill Haslam to sign it into law."

There are serious questions about the constitutionality of this law, as well as its propriety.

California’s transgender protection bill makes progress - PinkNews.co.uk

2011-05-25T10:12:00.000-04:00

While California already has included gender identity in its non-discrimination statute within the definition of the term "gender", the term "gender identity" would be directly included in the main text of the statute.

California’s transgender protection bill makes progress - PinkNews.co.uk: "A California bill to improve legal protections for trans people has been approved by the state assembly.

The Gender Nondiscrimination Act (AB 887) passed with bipartisan support on a 54-24 vote on Monday. It will now go to the state Senate."

Letter to the Editor: MA Legislature should act to protect transgender rights | Patriot Ledger, The; Quincy, Mass. Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET

2011-05-24T10:06:00.001-04:00

Here is a letter to the editor recently published in the Quincy, MA Patriot Ledger.

Legislature should act to protect transgender rights | Patriot Ledger, The; Quincy, Mass. Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET: "On the bright side, the Massachusetts Legislature can do something to help protect its transgender residents from job discrimination in this state (we already have a law outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation) right now, by passing the Transgender Equal Rights Bill.

This bill would make it illegal to discriminate against transgender people in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations."

Transgender people deserve privacy, dignity in public bathrooms — Maine Opinion — Bangor Daily News

2011-05-23T10:02:00.001-04:00

Transgender people deserve privacy, dignity in public bathrooms — Maine Opinion — Bangor Daily News: "A proposal to amend the Maine Human Rights Act has the goal of protecting the privacy of the nontransgender public in public bathrooms. This isn’t necessary and, instead, it has the potential to embarrass transgender people and put them at risk of harassment.

The bill, LD 1046, sponsored by Rep. Kenneth Fredette, would exempt businesses and institutions from the discrimination provisions of the Human Rights Act on the use of bathrooms and shower facilities."

As you may recall, there was a recent favorable decision in the Maine courts on trans bathroom usage, which you can read about here.

Transgender Job Discrimination Bill Clears Senate | WRBL

2011-05-22T09:35:00.000-04:00

Transgender Job Discrimination Bill Clears Senate | WRBL: "en. Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, says Nevada joins 13 other states to include transgender discrimination in employment protections. State law already bars discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation and other attributes."

It's appropriate to note that there are about a dozen other states, in addition to the 13, that have court rulings, executive orders or administrative regulations that provide employment protections for trans employees.

YouTube - Employment as a transsexual woman

2011-05-15T14:54:00.001-04:00

A video from a trans youth via the transyouthchannel. It illustrates the sad reality. Pertinent part begins at 4:30.

Best Business Practices to Openly Value the Transgender Workforce White Pape

2011-05-15T14:50:00.000-04:00

A helpful beginning document for those seeking to learn more.

Best Business Practices to Openly Value the Transgender Workforce White Paper 04-28-11 Daniél C. Kimlinger, MHA - Mines & Associates Employee Assistance Programs

Often, when we hear of discrimination in the workplace, we think of discrimination against race, gender, or religion, along with other EEOC areas. Recently, there has been more attention on the transgender population in the workforce. This whitepaper will overview why companies are trending towards open non-discriminatory practices as well as valuing their transgender workforce.

Read more...

CATS moderator Amy Garbati shares her story of self-discovery | The Gay Issue 2011 | Charleston City Paper

2011-05-15T14:45:00.000-04:00

A success story:

CATS moderator Amy Garbati shares her story of self-discovery | The Gay Issue 2011 | Charleston City Paper: "At the time, Garbati was prepared for a negative reaction at work and began searching for a job out of town. She finally decided that she would approach her boss, telling him, 'This is what's going on in my life. Do you think this is something that can happen in this location or do I need to look for another job?

'There was no written policy at the time,' Garbati adds. 'The possibility was that I could have walked in there and gotten fired that day.'

Instead, the management was receptive, and Garbati worked with them to draft a corporate policy regarding LGBT issues. The position was that every employee is judged on their performance. 'I couldn't ask for any more,' Garbati says.

And the announcement to the rest of the staff was overwhelmingly positive. Garbati received congratulatory e-mails and notes of encouragement. When she walked into the office for the first time a week later as Amy, people were stopping her and saying, 'Hey Amy, welcome back.'"

What Does Discrimination Cost? | The Bilerico Project

2011-05-15T14:44:00.000-04:00

What Does Discrimination Cost? | The Bilerico Project: "A new research study released today by The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy shows that employment discrimination against transgender residents of Massachusetts likely costs the Commonwealth millions of dollars each year.

The findings are obvious, of course -- any factor that puts people out of work results in lower tax revenue and increased public assistance. Nonetheless, the importance of this study is its quantification of these costs based on research. While one might quibble with some of the numbers, the general conclusion that Massachusetts has lost money as a result of discrimination is undeniable."

Read more...

Irish Tribunal Finds For Transgender Employee

2011-05-13T22:37:00.000-04:00

A&L Goodbody Solicitors, Dublin, Ireland - Knowledge Team, Know How: In a recently published determination, the Irish Equality Tribunal recognized the inclusion of transgender people under the gender heading of the Employment Equality legislation. The Tribunal also awarded €35,400 in damages after it found that the claimant had been discriminated against on the grounds of gender and disability.

Chaz Bono Comes Out For ENDA | The Bilerico Project

2011-05-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

Chaz Bono Comes Out For ENDA | The Bilerico Project: "haz Bono gave an interview to New York Magazine on Tuesday, talking about his documentary, shown on the OWN Network.

In the interview, he was asked 'What do you think is the main issue for the trans community right now?'

His answer? The Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

This man gets it. It would have been so easy to give a glib, nonsensical answer, as so many celebrities have done. Clearly, Chaz is more than a nice suit. It's refreshing to see a celebrity who actually knows which end is up.

More on his answer after the jump."

CA Assembly Appropriations Committee Passes Bill Strengthening Employment, Housing, and other Nondiscrimination Laws - Lez Get Real

2011-05-06T08:29:00.000-04:00

CA Assembly Appropriations Committee Passes Bill Strengthening Employment, Housing, and other Nondiscrimination Laws - Lez Get Real: "The Assembly Appropriations Committee today passed the Gender Nondiscrimination Act (AB 877) by a 12-5 vote. The bill is authored by Assembly member Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and is sponsored by Equality California and the Transgender Law Center. AB 887 will strengthen employment, housing, and other civil rights protections for all Californians, especially those who face discrimination based on gender identity and expression."

California statutes already protect against gender identity discrimination, but they are included as a subpart of the definition of "sex." This bill would create a separate protected category.

Labor Department Adds Gender Identity Protections | The Bilerico Project

2011-05-03T19:01:00.000-04:00

Labor Department Adds Gender Identity Protections | The Bilerico Project: "The new policies been given to all current employees and will be disseminated to new employees during orientation as well as to employees who are promoted into supervisory ranks. The new rule doesn't apply further than that agency, but will apply to all hiring, promotion and disciplinary practices"

This may help move other parts of the federal government towards protecting gender identity.

Map: Transgender Employment Rights Make Headway | Mother Jones

2011-05-03T18:58:00.000-04:00

Map: Transgender Employment Rights Make Headway | Mother Jones: "Here's a look at where things stand now:"

Colorado Job Fair For Trans People

2011-05-03T18:55:00.000-04:00

Public News Service: "Colvin plans to attend the first-ever Colorado job fair specifically for transgender people, this Saturday in Denver, at the GLBT Community Center of Colorado. The Center says the event will feature companies that have established nondiscriminatory policies and offer well-paying jobs."

These are the kind of initiatives of which the trans community needs more.

The Irish Emigrant - Transsexual sales manager wins Dublin discrimination case

2011-04-28T09:06:00.000-04:00

The Irish Emigrant - Transsexual sales manager wins Dublin discrimination case: "Louise Hannon (50) a sales manager from Arbour Hill, North Dublin, recently became the first transsexual worker to successfully use the Employment Equality Act in a case of discrimination on the grounds of transsexualism."

Transgender employee can maintain sexual harassment, hostile work environment claims against Home Depot; supervisors failed to take action in response to verbal, physical threats by coworkers | Employment Law Daily

2011-04-25T18:25:00.000-04:00

NJ Federal Court: Transgender employee can maintain sexual harassment, hostile work environment claims against Home Depot; supervisors failed to take action in response to verbal, physical threats by coworkers | Employment Law Daily:

However, she lost the case regarding termination because her lawyer was unable to connect the termination to the harassment.

Full opinion here: http://hr.cch.com/EMPNews/hughes.pdf

Transgender rights bill awaits governor's OK - Hawaii News - Staradvertiser.com

2011-04-22T13:55:00.000-04:00

Transgender rights bill awaits governor's OK - Hawaii News - Staradvertiser.com: "A proposal to solidify civil rights protections for transgendered employees is headed for the governor's desk after the state House agreed to a Senate draft of the bill earlier this week."

Interestingly, a similar proposal was vetoed by Governor Lingle two years ago.

Nevada Assembly passes transgender discrimination bill

2011-04-22T13:53:00.000-04:00

Assembly passes transgender discrimination bill - News - ReviewJournal.com: "Members voted 29-13 for Assembly Bill 211, which would prevent discriminating against people based on their gender identity or expression."

It's clear that trans protections aren't only a coastal phenomenon, and the fact that three Republicans voted for the bill is a sign that it's not a partisan issue.

Transgender Employment Protections Advance in Hawaii

2011-04-18T10:59:00.000-04:00

Transgender Employment Protections Advance in Hawaii � Human Rights Campaign | HRC Back Story: "Yesterday, the Hawaii State Senate passed employment protections based on gender identity and expression by a 22-2 vote. The bill contained amendments and will now go back to the House for concurrence before heading to Governor Abercrombie’s desk for his signature."

An Educational Campaign for Trans Equality

2011-04-11T16:51:00.004-04:00

Here's a nifty little educational campaign started by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. It's called I AM: Trans People Speak. This is a multi-media campaign aimed at raising awareness about the diverse communities
of trans individuals, families, and allies.

It's a project of the Massachusetts Trans Political Coalition, that intrepid bunch that is fighting to pass a statewide trans equality bill. After its initial victory in Boston, it encountered stiff opposition from fundamentalists around the state, who used the opportunity to demonize trans people as pedophiles and weirdos.

If any place needs to fund an educational project about trans peoples' ordinary lives for the general public, as many suggested in our discussion last week on passing the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act, it's Massacusetts. It's completely ridiculous that one of the most liberal states in the nation, where marriage equality first stuck, can't get its act together to have a state-wide equality bill.

I particularly like this line from the project website: "There is no one trans narrative. Each of these individuals has their own unique story to tell, and they can no longer be silenced."

Video website and more after the jump.

You can find the videos of the I AM project here:I AM: Trans People Speak

According to its mission statement, I AM is a collection of recorded stories that aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions of trans individuals by highlighting the realities of their lived experience. Awesome idea. The website specifically notes that they're including voices that span across a diversity of communities and intersecting identities.

The website also notes:

Trans people face an overwhelming amount of discrimination and violence due to their gender identity and/or gender expression. Trans peoples' experiences are often disregarded and their humanity is too often questioned by society at large. Transphobia, like other systems of oppression, operates to spread fear and discomfort about difference. This project is centered on the full individual, for trans people are more than their gender. By providing a forum where these unique stories can be shared and given significance, I AM fosters support and raises awareness for trans communities.

Right on. They've already attracted some funding, as the website notes that GLAD gave them generous support, and the project was made possible through a grant from State Equality Fund, and through corporate sponsorship from State Street Corporation. Now all we need is broader funding, 1000 more videos and to push it out everywhere.

As the I AM project website says, and I think it's true: "Personal stories change lives, laws and policies and the ultimate goal of this project is to make society a fair and equal place for all people, including transgender youth, adults, and their families."

So what's going to happen with all the calls for an educational campaign to educate people about transgender lives? Are they simply lip service from a community too focused on marriage equality to look up and notice that it's an LGB(fake)t out there?

Or will someone please give these people some money? Donate here.

UPDATE: I received answers to some questions I posed to Gunner Scott, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition.

How many videos do you plan to put up and by when?

We hope to have 40 videos up by July 2011, at least 10 written pieces and 2 audio pieces and we are hoping for 1 photo essay

How much more money do you need, if any, to move forward on the project?

We are hoping to move the project to phase 2, which is creating transit ads for buses and subways around Massachusetts advertising the campaign, if were able to do this it would be the first in the country to have positive ads about transgender people NOT focused on HIV. (The only other transit ad campaigns have been about HIV that have had trans people in them).

The cost for this is approximately $20,000 - this would be for design and placement on 5 bus lines outside of Boston in Berkshires, Pioneer Valley, Worcester, Fall River/New Bedford, Fitchburg area and then subway ads in the Boston area.

To continue the multi-media production of the campaign in Massachusetts through the end of the calendar year 2011 and get to 100 videos, 25 written pieces, 5 audio, and 3 photo essays, we would need $35,000.

To export this campaign beyond Massachusetts:
To create a "how to guide" and template materials and technical assistance - so this can be used in other states, we would need another $40,000

How can people volunteer to make videos?

Currently we are only taking submissions from people that live, work, or go to school in Massachusetts. This includes written, photo, audio pieces. We shoot, edit, and produce the videos ourselves. If people are from Massachusetts they should fill out a "Participation form" on our website.

For videos, folks are sent a questionnaire to fill out ahead of scheduling their video session. Once we receive their questionnaire, we send them next up coming dates of video shooting and we schedule from there.

Can people make videos of their own for submission to the project?

Currently, we are not accepting videos that are made by other people. We don't have the capacity and there is a specific format we are looking for. The reason is we have based the format, questions asked, etc... of project on researched ways of story telling.

We encourage not only transgender people, but also friends, family members, allies, non-transgender partners.

We also require folks to be over 18, unless they are submitting a pseudonym written piece or photo essay that does not include an identifying photo of themselves.

We will accept submissions of written pieces and photo essays (from Massachusetts folks). We will assist with editing.

We do ask that all pieces include I AM statements to start, such as Sari's piece that starts with I AM: a scientist; I AM: a public health practitioner; I AM: a caring family member; And I AM also: a transman.

New York Times Tells of Trans Job Lawsuit

2011-04-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

The New York Times op-ed section brings word of an unusual lawsuit this morning. The Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) has brought a lawsuit on behalf of El'Jai Devoureau (first name pronounced like LJ).

El'Jai was hired by a drug testing company to watch testees produce urine samples, presumably to ensure it was done properly and no switching of samples occurred. Word reached his supervisor that he is a transgender man. The supervisor asked for evidence of surgery, and El'Jai said that is private. He was fired.

This is an extremely important lawsuit because the questions to be addressed include whether being male in a particular way specified by the employer is a "bona fide" occupational qualification (BFOQ) and whether El'Jai qualifies as a male. BFOQ lawsuits in regard to sex are rare, and not as simple as they might seem.

It's particularly informative that TLDEF's legal partners in this suit are a major international law firm, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, and a highly respected local firm, Stein, McGuire, Pantages & Gigl. Firms like that don't take a case, particularly a pro bono case, unless they've got the law and the facts they see as likely to be successful. Furthermore, as impact litigation, which attempts to create useful precedents and, above all, to do no harm to the interests of the disadvantaged constituency it seeks to help, this one goes straight to the heart of trans advocacy: who is a man?

The complaint specifically states that "He has permanently transitioned to male and his government-issued identification documents reflect the fact that he is male. Defendants hired him as a man."

It should be noted that New Jersey is the only state that has an appellate precedent squarely on point in favor of transsexuals, ruling that a transsexual person is to be considered according to the sex with which he or she identifies. In MT v. JT, 355 A.2d 204 (N.J. App. Div. 1976), a New Jersey appeals court held that "if the anatomical or genital features of a genuine transsexual are made to conform to the person's gender, psyche or psychological sex, then identity by sex must be governed by the congruence of these standards." Almost every other court in the U.S. that has considered the issue has gone in the other direction. While that case involved a question of alimony after divorce, the court in the current case may find this reasoning persuasive, and perhaps even binding. Thus, while bringing a case like this could be extremely dangerous, it's probably better brought in New Jersey more than any other state in the nation.

I've also discussed the BFOQ requirement in past posts. Essentially, it means that being a male is part of the qualifications of the job. This cannot be on the basis of stereotypes, such as that the job requires strength or is dangerous. A woman who has the strength and the ability to do a hard or dangerous job must not be disbarred from doing so by reason of her gender. In the case of watching men give urine samples, the idea, I suppose, is that respect for the privacy of the men requires that they not be subjected to the scrutiny of a female while performing such intimate acts. If El'Jai were a female, that reasoning would hold. As noted, however, the complaint specifically states that "He has permanently transitioned to male and his government-issued identification documents reflect the fact that he is male. Defendants hired him as a man." If El'Jai's employees think he is not a man, is their subjective judgment more pertinent than that of the State of New Jersey?

The complaint more specifically states "As reflected on official government documentation, both federally and at the state level, he is appropriately recognized as male, including on his driver's license (New Jersey), his Social Security records (federal), and his birth certificate (Georgia)."

I think it interesting that there are three counts to the complaint, one for sex discrimination, one for gender identity discrimination and one for disability discrimination. While some legal advocates have indicated that they would not bring a claim based on disability discrimination because it may be considered by some to be disrespectful and perhaps even undercutting to the client's claim, I agree that this is an appropriate legal claim in most instances because it underscores the nature of the discrimination against transsexuals -- not only discrimination based on physical attributes, but discrimination based on psychological identity. But reasonable people can disagree on that issue.

Kudos to Michael Silverman of TLDEF, and to the other intrepid attorneys who will no doubt provide excellent representation to Mr. Devoureau.

ENDA Reintroduced, 92 Fewer Co-Sponsors: Who's Missing?

2011-04-07T16:58:00.002-04:00

ENDA was reintroduced in the 112th Congress today as HR 1397, with 92 fewer co-sponsors than when the 111th Congress closed, according to the Washington Blade.

Why are there 92 fewer co-sponsors, and what does this mean?

There are many factors at play here, as usual in human affairs. According to Harry Gural, Barney Frank's spokesperson, 111 is a great result, given the Democrats' losses in the last election.

Is it? Are the 92 those who are no longer in Congress? By comparing the list of co-sponsors of the newly-introduced ENDA to the list of those who had signed on last time and running those through Wikipedia to see who was not re-elected, we find that 57 current Members of the House, who had signed on as co-sponsors last time around (or indicated that they would vote in favor), are missing as co-sponsors from the current ENDA. Thus, it is likely that, for most of these 57, the press of other business crowded out the call for co-sponsors. If these 57 signed on again, as is likely at some point, the number of co-sponsors would be up to 168. That would be a very respectable number. It is also not unlikely that, at some point, Democrats will again be in the majority in Congress, and passage of ENDA is likely at some time in the future.

The names and contact info of the missing House members are listed here by state, in case you want more information on their positions.

---
*These members did not co-sponsor, but they or their offices indicated at some point that they would support the bill.

Her goal: ridding 'trans' bias at work | StarTribune.com

2011-04-04T09:03:00.000-04:00

Her goal: ridding 'trans' bias at work | StarTribune.com: "Vanessa Sheridan of Apple Valley is a consultant with clients that include Best Buy and HSBC Financial. She is a conservative dresser, an articulate professional and a churchgoing Christian.

She is also a transgender woman. Some folks might find this unusual, but Sheridan does not.

'I'm a normal person with a different gender identity,' she said. 'You can be happy and well adjusted and transgender. The trouble with the way we're portrayed in the media is that we're either prostitutes or punch lines.'"

I've read Ms. Sheridan's book, The Complete Guide to Transgender in the Workplace, and I liked it.

Transgender Issue Plays Key Role in Anti-Bias Legislation | workforce.com

2011-03-22T14:08:00.000-04:00

Transgender Issue Plays Key Role in Anti-Bias Legislation | workforce.com: "While ENDA could be stymied by a conservative-leaning Congress in 2011, Weiss remains optimistic about progress on the state and municipal levels. “I am very confident that the number of states and municipalities that will be obtaining transgender employment protections over the next five years will be significant,” she says. “If you come to a legislator in a particular state and say, ‘We are advocating for transgender employment protections,’ you can point to several major employers and states that already have these protections in place.”"

This is a well-written article on the future of trans protections in the workplace. We have far to go, but we have also come so far.

Hawaii's Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Bill

2011-03-14T15:24:00.001-04:00

Governor's aide tied to big donor - Hawaii News - Staradvertiser.com:

"Hawaii gender identity non-discrimination act in play."

"Transgender equity
(HB 546)
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression as a public-policy matter and specifically with regard to employment."

Hawaii had an executive order and a court case on this in the past, but I'm not sure of the current status. Does anyone know what's happening with this bill?

Why Shouldn't You Give To GetEqual? | The Bilerico Project

2011-03-11T09:19:00.002-05:00

Political representation comes at a price. You have to go along to get along. When LGBT organizations started demanding that politicians pass ENDA, repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, and repeal DOMA, politicians started running for the exits. All three of these bills were declared D.O.A. in the last session of Congress. Our major lobbying organizations folded.

And then along came GetEqual.

Whatever you may say about it, GetEqual does not take it lying down. Without GetEqual and Dan Choi and 12 other brave souls chaining themselves to the White House Fence, not once, but twice, and ready to do it a third and fourth and fifth, we would not have seen DADT repeal in Congress. GetEqual held sit-ins and protests about ENDA in politicians' offices, locally and nationally, and the Capitol Rotunda.

GetEqual is also radically inclusive, including of trans activists and trans issues. That is why I have been working as the Board Chair for the past six months, and giving freely of my time and money. (There's no compensation for being Chair; actually it's my job to send money.) If you're a supporter of the idea of an effective LGBT direct action organization, one that isn't afraid to speak truth to power and kick 'em where it hurts when and if necessary, why aren't you pulling out your credit card and clicking here to donate? This is not a rhetorical question.

Right-wing fanatics have big money behind them to send their message of discrimination. Why shouldn't we have an equally loud and clear message? That message is "Discrimination is wrong. We will not be silent."

What GetEqual has accomplished in one year is startling. What it will accomplish next year is amazing.

READ MORE...

Md. House debates trans rights bill : Washington Blade – Gay News

2011-03-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

Md. House debates trans rights bill : Washington Blade – Gay News

About 30 witnesses spoke in favor of the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act, compared to about 10 opponents, including one transgender activist who testified against the bill on grounds that it lacks language barring discrimination in public accommodations.

It's interesting to see that a trans rights activist argued against the bill. There is some division in the community about whether there should be public accommodations provisions in a workplace rights bill. To say that the trans community is not monolithic is an understatement.

Windy City Times - Getting to ENDA: Is it lost, or obsolete? - 163

2011-03-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

Windy City Times - Getting to ENDA: Is it lost, or obsolete? - 163

Great article by Lisa Keen, top journalist, on the prospects of ENDA. It's dead until at least 2014, of course, but she has an interesting twist on it. By the way, the quote from Diego Sanchez about having had the votes for ENDA probably relates only to the House, since that's where he works. At the same time, it's true that there were probably enough votes even in the Senate, had President Obama applied a bit of pressure. Ah well. Water under the bridge. Time to move on and look for other opportunities to make a difference in trans workplace issues.

U. presentation on ‘gender illusion’ | LGBT FYI | The Salt Lake Tribune

2011-03-04T10:06:00.000-05:00

U. presentation today on ‘gender illusion’ | LGBT FYI | The Salt Lake Tribune: "Metzler lost her job as a building inspector after she began her transition from male to female. She struggled to find another job in the construction industry and ended up homeless for nearly a year."

It's so important that people hear about these stories, particularly in areas of the country where there is less understanding of trans identity.

Transgender Law Center Holds Discussion of Trans Rights

2011-03-03T08:51:00.000-05:00

San Francisco Bay Times:

The highly-regarded California-based Transgender Law Center held a discussion this week about its vital services. TLC legal help line, which aids over 1,400 people a year with information, support, and basic services. Employment and health care are chief concerns, not to mention vandalism, bullying, and resulting suicide. TLC Staff Attorney Matt Wood said that bullying in school against transgender teens is rampant. He said, “We need systematic policy changes, not the least of which is shelter discrimination.” He also noted that medical providers need to treat transgender patients with dignity and respect. “There is the promise of law versus the reality of acting upon it,” he said."

More US companies covering transgender surgery

2011-02-25T07:45:00.000-05:00

More US companies covering transgender surgery

This is a welcome trend, and it indicates the importance that more major employers are giving to inclusion of trans employees in their diversity efforts.

First Civil Unions and Now Fighting for Transgender Employment Protections in Hawaii

2011-02-25T07:43:00.000-05:00

First Civil Unions and Now Fighting for Transgender Employment Protections in Hawaii

While many in the trans community have concerns about the Human Rights Campaign, it's important to note that they are working on trans employment rights in several areas of the country.

Your ENDA Ran Over My DOMA

2011-02-24T11:18:00.001-05:00

I was trying to come up with a snappy title for this posting on the U.S. Attorney General's announcement that the Obama Administration would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court. I was reminded about the old joke about the dispute between the Christian and the Buddhist, with the former complaining that "your karma ran over my dogma." Because the Holder DOMA Memo, as I have now dubbed it, is filled with sly, ironic humor, as shall soon be shortly revealed, I thought it only fitting to add some humor of my own.

As I explained yesterday, the Obama Administration's view of DOMA is that it should be subject to "heightened judicial scrutiny" under the equal protection concept embodied in the Fifth Amendment. Under the highest form of judicial scrutiny, known as "strict scrutiny," laws are usually found unconstitutional unless they have a really compelling reason.

Why does the Obama Administration think that DOMA should be subject to the stricter judicial scrutiny, thus making them unconstitutional?

Because of ENDA, among other things. Remember ENDA?

Click here to read more

The Bay Area Reporter Online | Dems may have had votes for ENDA

2011-02-24T10:38:00.000-05:00

The Bay Area Reporter Online | Dems may have had votes for ENDA

Not new news, but useful in terms of thinking about strategy for next time. I note that the article tags as controversial the comment by Diego Sanchez, legislative assistant to Rep. Barney Frank, the bill's main sponsor, that the Democrats had the votes for ENDA. I think what Mr. Sanchez meant is that the House of Representatives, where he works, had the votes to pass ENDA. I don't believe he was commenting on the Senate, about which he probably wouldn't have much more knowledge than any informed outsider.

California Assemblymember Toni Atkins introduces Gender Nondiscrimination Act | San Diego Gay and Lesbian News

2011-02-21T12:47:00.000-05:00

California Assemblymember Toni Atkins introduces Gender Nondiscrimination Act | San Diego Gay and Lesbian News: "California non-discrimination laws already define 'gender' to include a person's gender identity (how they see themselves) and gender expression (how other people see them). AB 887 specifically enumerates gender identity and gender expression in order to simplify compliance with existing legal protections."

California law has long protected transgender people, and this change will make the statute clearer and more out front with the concept of transgender protection. The terms "gender identity" and "gender expresssion" are those ordinarily used in similar laws across the country.

The Rainbow Times | The Freshest LGBT News in New England

2011-02-21T12:44:00.001-05:00

The Rainbow Times | The Freshest LGBT News in New England: "Governor Deval Patrick issued an executive order that prohibits discrimination based on “gender identity or expression,” a move that provides transgender workers in state government with employment protections."

This is particularly good, in light of the apparent inability of the state legislature to pass a bill with such protections because of right-wing opposition that has employed gross distortions about transgender people. It's not a substitute, but it's a start. It will demonstrate that employment protections do not impair the safety of others, a ludicrous notion.

Asheville should recognize rights of all citizens | The Asheville Citizen-Times | citizen-times.com

2011-02-16T07:45:00.000-05:00

Asheville should recognize rights of all citizens | The Asheville Citizen-Times | citizen-times.com

"Asheville's [North Carolina] City Council will soon vote on a resolution to affirm and protect the equal rights of all its citizens...Asheville's resolution is, therefore, bold, brave and praiseworthy."

The proposed resolution would include gender identity and expression. http://goqnotes.com/9975/western-asheville-coalition-pushes-for-lgbt-rights/

British Columbia's Transgender Rights Bill Passed

2011-02-10T08:58:00.000-05:00

B.C. MP's transgender rights bill passed by House of Commons | Vancouver, Canada | Straight.com: "MP Bill Siksay’s bill to protect transgender people from discrimination was passed by the House of Commons today (February 9).

Members of Parliament voted 143 to 135 to pass Bill C-389 through third reading."

The bill still has to pass the Senate.

Transgender employee fired by state awaits ruling

2011-02-05T08:25:00.000-05:00

Transgender employee fired by state awaits ruling: "On Tuesday, Glenn's attorneys filed papers in the U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, defending a lower court's ruling that their client was a victim of sexual harassment. U.S. District Judge Richard Story ordered Glenn be reinstated with full salary, benefits and seniority; she agreed to stay home pending the state's appeal."

The Eleventh Circuit is not known for its sympathy to employment discrimination cases. I am crossing my fingers for Ms. Glenn.

Groundbreaking Study Finds Pervasive Discrimination Against Transgender People

2011-02-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

Groundbreaking Study Finds Pervasive Discrimination Against Transgender People: "The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) today released a comprehensive new report, “Injustice at Every Turn,” revealing the depth of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people in a wide range of areas, including education, health care, employment, and housing. The study, based on the results from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), was based on responses from over 6,450 participants. The NTDS is the first large-scale national study of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming Americans, and paints a more complete picture than any prior research to date."

The findings are not a surprise to anyone working in this field. Studies like this are, however, very useful in understanding the pervasiveness and depth of discrimination out there. The study is definitely worth a thorough read.

Utah Trans workers: 67% experienced discrimination

2011-01-20T09:31:00.000-05:00

Study shows half of Utah LGBT workers discriminated against - KSTU: "The study was based on Equality Utah's survey of 1,000 LGBT Utahns.

UCLA professor, Clifford Rosky helped put together the study, which finds 43 percent of the state's LGBT have experienced discrimination in employment -- transgendered workers alone were found at 67 percent."

This is particularly interesting given the recent enactment of local ordinances in Utah prohibiting anti-LGBT discrimination.

HRC to Train Trans Job Seekers in Boston

2011-01-20T09:25:00.001-05:00

Bay Windows - New England's largest GLBT newspaper: "The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced Jan. 18 that the LGBT rights organization will sponsor a training program for transgender job-seekers in Boston next month.

The free inaugural event of HRC’s Back to Work project will take place on Feb. 26 and 27. Attendees will be provided with essential skills needed to make the most of the job market, and find a career that matches their expertise and experience. The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (BAGLY), the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts (AAC), and MassEquality are cosponsors of the event, which will be hosted by the AAC."

Although some in the trans community have been critical of HRC, not without some justice, the organization has take some important steps that have helped transgender employment rights, particularly the Corporate Equality Index. It is nice to see that the organization is continuing to take action to assist the T portion of the LGBT community.

LGBT Employees at Credit Suisse Benefit from Enhanced Offerings -- NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

2011-01-20T08:29:00.000-05:00

Credit Suisse, a major financial firm, is not only offering benefits for same-sex relationships, but specifically including appropriate benefits for their transgender employees.

LGBT Employees at Credit Suisse Benefit from Enhanced Offerings -- NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --:

"The revised benefits package, effective January 1, 2011, includes new transgender benefits including sex-reassignment surgery and related prescription drug treatment will be covered under the medical plan."

And Grand County Makes 10 : QSaltLake – Utah's Gay and Lesbian News and Entertainment Magazine

2010-12-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

And Grand County Makes 10 : QSaltLake – Utah's Gay and Lesbian News and Entertainment Magazine: "Just two days before Christmas Eve, the Grand County Council became the 10th municipal body in Utah to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from job and housing discrimination."

PrideSource - Righting wrongs

2010-12-23T07:58:00.000-05:00

PrideSource - Righting wrongs: "After five years of working as a team and building up a profitable company, Brogan-Kator was called into the office and fired without warning."

Unitarian Universalists focus on trans issues

2010-12-20T07:56:00.000-05:00

uuworld.org : new lgbt coordinator will emphasize trans issues: "Delfin Bautista, the new program coordinator for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Ministries program, says that he will be paying special attention to transgender-related issues in his new position. “The UUA has done incredible work on gay and lesbian issues,” he said. “Now it’s time to give attention to the trans community while also upholding all of the other identities represented by the LGBT acronym.”

Bautista, who identifies as transgender, started the job at the end of November. In the new position he will be responsible for the development of LGBT programs and resources and will also be engaged in advocacy efforts on issues such as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” marriage equality, and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act."

Exploring transgender identity in India with Fulbright artist Carrie Fonder - AnnArbor.com

2010-12-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

Artist Carrie Fonder is currently in Mumbai, India on a Fulbright Scholarship to study the role of the feminine in Indian art. She is in the midst of creating an artwork out of a rickshaw, a small motorized taxi on three wheels, that comments on transgender men in India. Once the rickshaw sculpture — titled Trans-Co — is complete, she plans to exhibit it in India before shipping it to the United States.

The artist's interest in gender expression is laudable, but I note that the article refers to people who are living as female as "transgender men." That is, of course, a major faux pas as it considered by many to disrespect the individual's gender identity. Instead, they should be referred to as "transgender women."

The artist's interest in thinking critically about oppressive gender binaries is also laudable. I am concerned, however, by the suggestion that her subjects are "customizing" their gender and are "really" males, regardless of how they "present" themselves.

Exploring transgender identity in India with Fulbright artist Carrie Fonder - AnnArbor.com

Trans Sex Workers In Southeast Asia

2010-12-17T08:01:00.000-05:00

This article tells the story of trans sex workers in Southeast Asia, whose education is often cut short because of harassment in schools and whose only source of employment is prostitution. It is part of a series published by RH Reality Check in partnership with the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP) to commemorate the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, December 17th, 2010.

Stigma and Violence Against Transgender Sex Workers | RHRealityCheck.org

DMV Employee Accused Of Harassing Transgender Woman Resigns: News: SFAppeal

2010-12-17T07:56:00.000-05:00

I've posted several items recently about developments in a case involving a DMV employee who sent a letter to a trans customer, stating that the customer would "go to hell." Given that opponents of trans identity often have religious objections, I always discuss the question in my trainings of where the line is between religious freedom and harassment. Here's the latest on the story, and it provides an interesting vignette for addressing that question.

DMV Employee Accused Of Harassing Transgender Woman Resigns: News: SFAppeal

DMV clerk suspended for sex-change admonition

2010-12-11T10:09:00.000-05:00

DMV clerk suspended for sex-change admonition: "The Department of Motor Vehicles employee who handled a transgender woman's application to register her sex change was suspended shortly after the woman reported that he had sent her a letter condemning her to hell, the state agency said Friday."

Government battle over transgender protections in India

2010-12-01T08:52:00.000-05:00

Protections have been put in place for transgender people in India, but there is some confusion as to its implementation. This story discusses a court case regarding the protections, and the implication seems to be that the central government is dragging its feet.

Note that the story uses the term "eunuch," which is commonly used in India to refer to trans people. It does not have a negative connotation there. In the US, however, the term is not generally used, and would likely be considered pejorative.

Transgenders: Centre silent on PIL

Indian IT drafts policy for gays, transgender - Business news

2010-11-30T07:42:00.000-05:00

Indian IT drafts policy for gays, transgender - Business news: "Multinationals, who have strong diversity policies globally, are taking the lead and many Indian firms may follow soon. IBM India, for instance, is looking to adopt best practices from its parent organisation and this may include policy impacting initiatives."

Goodwill thrives at San Francisco thrift store | Lake Wylie Pilot - Lake Wylie, SC

2010-11-30T07:39:00.001-05:00

Key quote, referencing a recent study: "It found that despite being twice as likely to hold college degrees as state residents as a whole, the respondents also were twice as likely to be unemployed. Seventy percent of those surveyed reported having been discriminated against or harassed on the job."

Goodwill thrives at San Francisco thrift store | Lake Wylie Pilot - Lake Wylie, SC

Minority welfare dept to look after concerns of gays, transgenders - The Times of India

2010-11-23T16:40:00.000-05:00

Minority welfare dept to look after concerns of gays, transgenders - The Times of India

Transgender Houston woman arrested for entering men’s bathroom - Dallas Voice

2010-11-23T13:50:00.000-05:00

WATCH: Transgender Houston woman arrested for entering men’s bathroom - Dallas Voice: "KTRK reports that a preoperative transgender woman in Houston was arrested last week for using the women’s restroom at the city’s main library.

The woman’s arrest appears to conflict with the city’s nondiscrimination policy, enacted by Mayor Annise Parker earlier this year, which permits people to use restrooms according to their gender identity, regardless of their biological sex."

toledoblade.com -- The Blade ~ Toledo Ohio

2010-11-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

toledoblade.com -- The Blade ~ Toledo Ohio: Two city ordinances that protect gay and transgender persons from discrimination passed in Bowling Green, Ohio, after a topsy-turvy history.

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2010

2010-11-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up, in which people murdered because of their gender identity are remembered. An article in the Missoulian features an interview with Erin Armstrong.

Misconceptions, answers about transgendered people: "Erin Armstrong, a transgender activist featured in Rolling Stone for her work, heads to Missoula this week to speak at the event. Armstrong has documented her transition with video blogs on YouTube, and she works in San Francisco’s Trans: Thrive office, a drop-in center for transgender folks.

Last week, she talked with the Missoulian about being trans, the Missoula Transgender Day of Recognition – the local answer to the national Day of Remembrance – as well as about political successes and roadblocks for the trans community."

Panel rules against Orono school in transgender bathroom access - Bangor Daily News

2010-11-11T11:41:00.000-05:00

Panel rules against Orono school in transgender bathroom access - Bangor Daily News: "The Maine Human Rights Commission ruled Monday that Orono Middle School unlawfully discriminated against a sixth-grader during the 2008-2009 school year by not letting the male-to-female transgender student use the girls’ bathroom.

This is the same student whose parents filed a similar discrimination complaint against Asa Adams Elementary School in Orono when their child was a fifth grader there during the 2007-2008 school year. That case resulted in the same ruling against the school district in June 2009.

Also Monday, the commission members again began talks about developing anti-discrimination guidelines specifically for schools under the Maine Human Rights Act."

Anti-bias language given final OK by NC State Bar - WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-

2010-11-01T12:00:00.001-04:00

The regulatory body for North Carolina's lawyers has given final approval to language designed to discourage attorneys from having personal bias against representing gays and transgender people.

The North Carolina State Bar Council voted 35-20 Friday in favor of changes to the preamble of their rules of professional conduct.

Anti-bias language given final OK by NC State Bar - WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-

Costello & Mains, P.C. Files Transgender Employment and Hous

2010-11-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

New Jersey employment law firm Costello & Mains, P.C. has filed a lawsuit on behalf of April Murdoch, a male to female transsexual who was viciously tormented by her employer when her landlord, who entered her apartment without her permission and discovered paperwork pertaining to her transition, informed her employer of his find.

Costello & Mains, P.C. Files Transgender Employment and Hous

Transgender woman receives hate-filled letter from DMV employee | abc7news.com

2010-10-29T10:02:00.000-04:00

This story demonstrates the difficulties that transgender people can have in attempting to access government services for something as simple as a name change on a driver license, even in a relatively LGBT friendly area like San Francisco.

Transgender woman receives hate-filled letter from DMV employee | abc7news.com: "A hate-filled letter sent to a San Francisco transgender woman has prompted an investigation at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The anti-gay letter claims to have been written by a DMV clerk who assisted the woman at the San Francisco branch last week.

The usually painful experience at the DMV became a traumatic one last week for Amber Yust. A transgender woman, Yust went to the San Francisco branch to legally change her name on her driver's license.

A few days later a letter was mailed to her house. The writer claims to be the DMV clerk who helped her and then went on to say being transgender is 'evil.' He urged her not to go through with the transition from man to woman. He said Yust is going to hell."

Transgender Law Center Celebrates 8 Years

2010-10-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

The California-based Transgender Law Center now seems to be a fixture of the trans community's organizational support network. But it's only 8 years old, and it recently celebrated its birthday.

San Francisco Bay Times

Cedar City Declines Anti-discrimination Ordinances : QSaltLake – Utah's Gay and Lesbian News and Entertainment Magazine

2010-10-28T16:26:00.000-04:00

Although other cities in Utah have passed non-discrimination laws that include gender identity, Cedar City, Utah recently declined to do so.

Cedar City Declines Anti-discrimination Ordinances : QSaltLake – Utah's Gay and Lesbian News and Entertainment Magazine

They changed, society didn't - The Times of India

2010-10-25T08:39:00.000-04:00

They changed, society didn't - The Times of India

A discussion of the discrimination faced by transgender people in the workplace in India.

Law Firm Accused of Being 'Mad Men' Throwback - Requiring Heels, Then Discriminating After Injury - News - ABA Journal

2010-10-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

Law Firm Accused of Being 'Mad Men' Throwback - Requiring Heels, Then Discriminating After Injury - News - ABA Journal

This reminds me of the Darlene Jespersen case, where the 9th Circuit said that an employer can require women to wear makeup. What's next -- short skirts and fishnet stockings?

Survey: More than half of transgender bullying victims have attempted suicide :: EDGE Boston

2010-10-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

Survey: More than half of transgender bullying victims have attempted suicide :: EDGE Boston:

"A new survey indicates more than half of transgender and gender non-conforming people who were bullied, harassed or assaulted in school have attempted suicide.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and National Center for Transgender Equality conducted the National Transgender Discrimination Survey. And the results are particularly alarming, in light of the spate of recent LGBT teenage suicides.

'From our experience working with transgender people, we had prepared ourselves for high rates of suicide attempts, but we didn’t expect anything like this,' said NCTE executive director Mara Keisling. 'Our study participants reported attempting suicide at a rate more than 25 times the national average.'

Forty-one percent of respondents reported they had attempted suicide, compared with an estimated 1.6 percent of Americans."

Harrah's Entertainment Receives Perfect Rating for the Fourth Consecutive Year from the Human... -- LAS VEGAS, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ --

2010-10-19T08:46:00.000-04:00

Harrah's Entertainment Receives Perfect Rating for the Fourth Consecutive Year from the Human... -- LAS VEGAS, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ --

The Corporate Equality Index has provided a roadmap for employers to address their policies, benefits and other practices broadly for the past nine years.

This year an unprecedented 337 major U.S. businesses earned the top rating of 100 percent, up from 305 companies last year.

These workers are protected from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because of their employers' policies on diversity and inclusion, training and benefits.

LIC turns a new leaf in the life of transgenders | LIC | | Indian Express

2010-10-18T08:31:00.000-04:00

News from India:

LIC turns a new leaf in the life of transgenders | LIC | | Indian Express: "CHENNAI: The next time you see a transgender canvassing life insurance, credit it to a brainwave from LIC. On Friday, 60 transgenders from Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chennai participated in a camp, organised by LIC along with the Social Welfare Department, where they would learn the nuances of being an agent for the corporation.

R Vasuki, Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare, said, “This kind of employment opportunity will economically empower the transgenders and will keep them away from begging and commercial sex.”"

Castro Goodwill To Employ Transgender Staff - News Story - KTVU San Francisco

2010-10-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

Castro Goodwill To Employ Transgender Staff - News Story - KTVU San Francisco: "SAN FRANCISCO -- A new Goodwill store in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood that opened Saturday afternoon will be providing much need jobs for those in the transgender community.

Many of the store's employees are transgendered people.

Activists say only half of transgender people in California have full time jobs, even though they are twice as likely as other workers to have earned a bachelor's degree.

The pop-up store is located on Market St. at the former Tower Records."

Transgender Law Institute at Lavender Law

2010-09-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

We held our first Transgender Law Institute at the National LGBT Bar Association's Lavender Law Conference last Thursday.

We had about 75 people in attendance, from all over the country. It was an amazing gathering of talent, and I felt honored to chair the conference committee.

The Committee itself was amazing - Prof. Jennifer Levi of GLAD, Prof. Julie Greenberg of Thomas Jefferson Law School, Seth Marnin of Outten & Golden, Dru Levasseur of Lambda Legal, and Matt Wood of the Transgender Law Center. If you don't know who these people are, they're well worth looking up. They're committed lawyers and scholars who have each contributed a tremendous amount to trans legal issues.

Here's the agenda for the Transgender Law Institute along with the hypotheticals we used, and a list of resources available for download.

Some of these hypotheticals were quite interesting, and I think everyone learned a lot about how to protect the rights of trans clients. Here's one example, that I presented with the wonderful Denise Brogan-Kator of the Rainbow Law Center in Michigan:

Employment Hypothetical

Your clients, Aggie, Betty and Clyde, work at local restaurants in various capacities, including wait staff, bookkeeping and management. All are transgender. Aggie, assigned to the male sex at birth, transitioned ten years ago, and consistently passes as female. Betty, also assigned to the male sex at birth, is in the process of transition, and passes as female about half the time. Clyde, assigned as female at birth, transitioned five years ago and passes as male consistently.

Aggie's manager received a no-match letter from the Social Security Administration because Aggie's sex marker on her Social Security Account did not match the employer's report of her as female. Aggie's manager has accused her of filing a fraudulent employment application, and there are indications she may be terminated.

Betty's restaurant has single use bathrooms. Betty's manager insists that Betty present as a male in order to work there. He requires Betty to dress androgynously and use the single use men's room.

Clyde's manager wants to know what surgery Clyde has had in order to decide whether Clyde can use the men's bathroom. Clyde would like to know if he can include his female partner on his health insurance.

What do you think the legal rights of Aggie, Betty and Clyde are?

If you like this one, I'll post another one. We've got ones on health care, sex segregation and identity documents. For next year, we're going to try to do different topics. There are so many important trans legal topics!

Also, the website has a list of resources from our presenters, with great articles like these:

AIC Sterilization Paper

AMA resolution of medical necessity

Availability of Transgender-Inclusive Group Health Insurance Plans

Bathrooms and SS Facilities

Bioethics Forum coverage of post-surgical experiments on young intersex girls

DC DMV Gender Change Policies

Health Insurance Discrimination for Transgender People

Joint Commission Final Guidelines for nondiscrimination in accredited hospitals

Lambda Legal comments on proposed DSM changes

Passport Gender Change Policy June 2010

San Francisco Transgender Health Benefits

Time Magazine coverage of prenatal dexamethasone use

Transgender-Inclusive Benefits for Employees and Dependents

Transgender Workplace Diversity Policy

WPATH reaction to proposed DSM change

A Transgender Spiritual Retreat

2010-08-18T13:29:00.000-04:00

I'm off for a few days of renewal and self-reflection to Hot Springs, North Carolina.

It's been an incredibly busy summer, not the quiet one I hoped for.

Kindred Spirits is "a global network based in the Southern Appalachians near Asheville, North Carolina since 1993." They put on a spiritual retreat every year where people get together to think about and be in the presence of the "spirit of transgender."

A friend told me about it, and it sounded awesome. So we're driving down together.

"Each of our four days together, we share in daily sacred circles. Our Laurel River hike culminates in a ritual swim-frolic. Special teaching sessions will be offered by some of our veteran attendees, often including various intuitive and shamanic sorts of work. Our ceremonies climax on an ancient Cherokee bald mountaintop with a 360-degree vista. This retreat can be a life-changing experience for you, connecting with your trans-spiritual family, as well as launching you further along your own spiritual path. You are encouraged to bring your own unique visions and expertise to share within this powerful gathering of your own kindred spirits."

Whoa, right? I hear the cell service is hit or miss, and I'm not sure about the internet. Here's some more about the retreat.

There are people from various spiritual and religious backgrounds, shamanic traditions, Native American cultures, Buddhists, Druids, and me with my bagels-and-lox Judaism, but also a long background in Biblical and Talmudic (even some Kabbalistic) studies.

I talked to Holly Boswell, the founder of the group. I asked her about the issues of cultural appropriation that concerned me, and she assured me that the retreat does not attempt to appropriate other cultures' spiritual practices.

Here's a little snippet from an article by Ms. Boswell, entitled "The Spirit of Transgender":

What brings us to this place we call "transgender" -- this way of being that needs to redefine, transform, and recreate itself in a world that insists we must conform to our genitals? Perhaps there was an itch in the groin. Most assuredly, there was an ache in the heart. And let's not discount all the mental anguish.

Researchers are investigating causative factors such as chromosomes, unique hormonal configurations, and of course psycho-social influences.... but I ask you: what do you believe it is that made you transgendered? Was it the itch, the ache, the anguish... or was it also something else? -- something most people can't define, something called "spirit".

This "body-heart-mind-spirit" pattern is an age-old, universal construct. Most of us spend a lot of our lives in the "body-mind" mode. Some of us manage to also be in "heart space". But how many actually visit the dimension of "spirit" -- even a few times, much less regularly? I have observed, however, that many transgendered people not only visit this dimension -- out of necessity -- but are often coming from this place.

I'm really looking forward to this.

"When I Was A Little Boy, I Prayed To God"

2010-08-09T13:31:00.000-04:00

Several years ago, my synagogue asked me to write something about being transgender and Jewish.

I grew up very, very devoutly religious, and I felt terrible about my feelings inside. It hurt me every day. Can you see it in that little face?

The piece has been published in our prayer book, Siddur B'chol L'vav'cha (which means "With All Your Heart," a reference to the injunction in Deuteronomy 6:5 to love God with all your heart).

I thought you might find it interesting.

Growing up very religious, and believing very deeply, I thought a lot about God.

This prayer is about how I felt about being trans, and my relationship with God, as a young person in my pre-teen and early teen years, and how that resolved as I grew older.

"When I was a little boy, I prayed to God.

I prayed God would make me a girl because I knew I wasn't really a boy, not inside. I didn't want to keep pretending to be a boy because it was hard to pretend all the time. I knew I couldn't go on forever pretending like that. It made me very tired and sad. I wondered why God would want me to be tired and sad every day.

But I tried hard not to disappoint God.

One morning, after praying like this for many years, I woke up and God had changed me.

God changed my tiredness into courage. God gave me the courage to tell the truth. God gave me the courage to tell people that I wasn't a boy, even though it made some people laugh and some people get mad.

God's courage has made me happy. God's courage has taught me to love myself. God's courage lets my outside be like my inside. God's courage gives me the gift of honesty. God is Truth.

I thank God for giving me the courage to tell the truth. I thank God for giving me the courage to be me.

Thank you God, for creating the whole infinitely complex universe and for creating the infinitely complex me."

This is also available on the Jeff Herman Virtual Resource Center of Hebrew Union College.

Nancy Pelosi Speaks About ENDA at Netroots Nation Conference

2010-07-23T21:17:00.001-04:00

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi spoke to a large, supportive audience at Netroots Nation. She spoke about many important issues, and I was lucky enough to have my question from the audience read first, asking about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

She said that ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, was her first priority, and that "there was a lot of support for ENDA."

However, she said that Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal moved first because it was to be attached to the Senate Defense Authorization Bill, which was planned first for a vote.

Robin McGehee, of the direct action group GetEqual, was undeterred. As the Speaker was giving her answer, McGehee shouted "Move on ENDA now!"

To which the Speaker replied "you're right to be impatient."

Later, talking about another bill, she also referenced ENDA: "I want to do it, you convinced me, now build the mass to make me do it."

Glenn v. Brumby: Judge Story Makes Hamburger Out Of Perfectly Good Steak

2010-07-08T12:06:00.000-04:00

The Bilerico Project | Daily experiments in LGBTQ: As I discussed previously, the Glenn v. Brumby lawsuit is premised on the Equal Protection clause of the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment (No state shall deny to any person the equal protection of the laws), rather than the federal civil rights statute.

This brilliant legal maneuver was permissible because Ms. Glenn worked for the state government. In ruling for Ms. Glenn on her first claim, but against her on her second claim, Judge Story said that their reasons for firing Ms. Glenn were not legit, but then he said they could be legit and they were legit on her second claim. He ground up perfectly good steak and made it into hamburger. So I like him for what he did for Ms. Glenn, but I don't like the reasoning he used.

Georgia Federal Court Rules For Trans Woman on Sex Discrimination Claim | The Bilerico Project

2010-07-08T12:04:00.000-04:00

Georgia Federal Court Rules For Trans Woman on Sex Discrimination Claim | The Bilerico Project: The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ruled late Friday that the Georgia General Assembly illegally discriminated against a transgender woman by firing her when she announced her plan to transition from male to female.

In so doing, the Georgia federal court has joined a number of other courts around the country that have ruled similarly. The case, Vandiver Elizabeth Glenn v. Sewell R. Brumby, could now be appealed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.