UPDATE- Transgender citizens, families testify for Howard Co. anti-discriminatio

[SandraJane]

Baltimore Sun.com



Transgender citizens, families testify for Howard Co. anti-discrimination bill


Some opponents also attend public hearing, express concern about 'bathroom issue'

By Jessica Anderson, The Baltimore Sun | 10:54 p.m. EST, November 21, 2011

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-md-ho-council-transgender-20111121,0,7053768.story


About two dozen transgender citizens, their relatives and supporters on Monday night urged the Howard County Council to adopt a bill that would bar discrimination against transgender people.

"We don't want to be special," said Howard resident Sharon Brackett, the co-chair of Gender Rights Maryland. "We want to be just like everyone else."   

Brackett, who was born male, and others shared personal stories while testifying before the five-member council at a public hearing in Ellicott City.

[SandraJane]

BaltimoreSun.com


Advocates hope passing of Howard transgender bill will spur statewide movement


By Lindsey McPherson, lmcpherson@patuxent.com | December 6, 2011 | 2:45 p.m.


http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/howard/news/ph-ho-cf-transgender-1208-20111206,0,2209748.story


As a bill to make gender identity a protected classification under Howard County's anti-discrimination law received its expected approval from the County Council this week, advocates are hoping state lawmakers will support a similar measure to be introduced in the 2012 General Assembly session.