TGs Take D.C. for Lobby Days
In my prior columns I’ve talked about what I have done for transgender equality and about stepping up to create opportunities. There is NOW an opportunity for all of us to learn and educate our Federal representatives — a chance to create a dialogue and perhaps to create change. I often quote Woody Allen who once said that “80% of success in life is just showing up.” Well on June 17,2013 in Washington, DC we now have a choice to show up, en masse, armed with an education and the ability to advocate for ourselves!
This year, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is teaming up with the Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC) to push the US Senate to move on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Their Lobby Day will also outline the stake transgender people have in the fight for immigration reform.
ENDA is about jobs — enabling trans people to earn a living and strive for the American Dream.
Is employment discrimination a problem for transpeople? Is harassment on the job a problem for trans people? Is there a reason why the overwhelming majority of folks want to be stealth if they are able?
In the first comprehensive national effort to document transgender discrimination in America and the effects of societal stigma, NCTE and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force launched a six-month data collection process, interviewing 6,450 transgender people via an extensive questionnaire that covered critical topics such as employment, education, health care, housing, public accommodation, criminal justice, family life and access to government documents. Our final sample included residents of all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Data gathered from respondents was compared to US Census Bureau and Department of Labor data.
Here is the link to the Executive Summary of the final Report.
Transgender people are unemployed at alarming rates, nearly double the national average at the time of the survey. This is even more acute for respondents who are Black (26%), Latino (18%) and Multiracial (17%).
Forty-seven percent (47%) of survey respondents experienced an adverse job action because they are transgender — they did not get a job, were denied a promotion or were fired — that directly impacted their employment status. A staggering number of the people surveyed, 26%, lost their jobs due to their gender identity/expression. Particularly hard hit were those who were Black (32%) or Multiracial (37%)
The survey highlighted a universal experience of mistreatment and harassment at work — ninety-seven percent (97%) have experienced mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination on the job including: invasion of privacy, verbal abuse, and physical or sexual assault. Incredible? Believe it!
Study respondents experienced poverty at a much higher rate than the general population, with more than 27% reporting incomes of $20,000 or lower and more than 15% reporting incomes of $10,000 or lower as compared to 7% percent of the general population reporting incomes of $10,000 or lower.
Employment protections are obviously paramount. In 34 states you can be fired for being or being perceived as trans. New York State has “marriage equality” for gays and lesbians and a law protecting gays against being fired because they are gay — but if you are trans — good luck!
Lobby Days 2011
Transgender people face discrimination, harassment and anti-transgender violence in many areas of their lives. These conditions create significant barriers to employment and lead to devastating economic insecurity. Basic employment protections for transgender people provide a crucial foundation for dignified, economically secure lives. Employment should be based on one’s skills and ability
Have you met your legislators, the folks you send to Washington to represent — you?
Your voice has the potential to change the debate and move ENDA forward.
Sunday, June 16 6:00 pm–8:00 pm Welcome Reception (Optional)
Monday, June 17
9:00 am–11:30 am Lobbying Training, American Federation of Teachers – AFL-CIO, 555 New Jersey Ave. NW, 4th Fl., Washington, DC 20001.
1:00 pm–5:00 pm Meetings with Members of Congress
5:30 pm–7:30 pm-Closing Reception (location TBD)
Check it out! We have an opportunity to stand up for ourselves! It’s not rocket science — I’ve done it lots of times and was successful in eventually passing a law in New Jersey protecting trans people in Employment, Housing and Public Accommodations. It’s there in black and white on every relevant poster in every business, hotel, restaurant, etc. And the experts said that we would fail!
These words ring true: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
Believe it!
Let’s “do it!” See you in DC!
Category: Transgender Community News, Transgender Opinion, Transgender Politics
About the Author (Author Profile)
Babs at 76 passed away in 2019. She was a member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee, Deputy Vice Chair of the NJ Democratic State Committee and Political Director of the Gender Rights Advocacy Association of NJ. She served on the Executive Committee of Trans United 4 Obama. She has served as Vice Chair of the DNC Eastern Caucus, was President of NJ Stonewall Democrats, Co-Chair of National Stonewall Democrats Federal PAC Board, Vice-Chair of Garden State Equality, Executive Board member of National Stonewall Democrats as Chair of the DNC Relations Committee and a member of the NJ Civil Unions Review Commission.Subscribe
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