From The Empire State Pride Agenda:
"The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (A.5039/Gottfried)(S.2873/Duane) is a bill that would outlaw discrimination in New York State based on gender identity and/or expression. Currently it is legal in New York to be fired from your job, kicked out of your home or be denied credit or public accommodations (like service in a restaurant) simply for being transgender. GENDA also expands the state’s hate crimes law to explicitly include crimes against transgender people.
The Facts
Transgender New Yorkers face severe discrimination. For example, a report released this year by the Empire State Pride Agenda showed that: 20.7% of transgender New Yorkers have incomes under $10,000 a year. Most recently, in 2011, Findings of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey completed by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force report that 74% of transgender New Yorkers experienced harassment or mistreatment on the job, 20% lost a job and 37% were not hired at all. An alarming 18% of transgender New Yorkers had become homeless because of their gender identity or expression. Health care discrimination for transgender New Yorkers is also very alarming with a 17% rate of individuals who were refused medical care due to their gender identity or expression."
Marriage equality passing was a huge step forward for New York. However, the languishing of GENDA in the state legislature is a huge step backwards! This bill needs to be brought forward and passed so our transgender compatriots may be assured that they are equals in New York as well. Contact your state representatives today and help get this bill passed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim for your encouragment and support!
ReplyDelete-Jeremy
I second Diverty Rules Magazine's opinion. The passing of marriage equality will allow for more headway in equality across the board in New York. The hope is that people will become more tollerant because it will become common.
ReplyDelete