Mother of Transgender Teen: Ignorance is Deadly, Pass the Maryland Gender Identity Anti-discrimination Bill
By: Laurel Ramseyer Saturday March 3, 2012 11:50 am
http://pamshouseblend.firedoglake.com/2012/03/03/mother-of-transgender-teen-ignorance-is-deadly-pass-the-maryland-gender-identity-anti-discrimination-bill/A bill to add gender identity to the list of classes protected against discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment got its first hearing last week in the Maryland state Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
Maryland law already prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation and disability in the areas of public accommodations, housing, and employment.
Among those testifying in support of the bill (SB 212) was Catherine Hyde, Transgender Coordinator for Children and Their Parents at Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) of Columbia-Howard County, Maryland.
Describing her own path to understanding that her child is transgender, Hyde shows that the ignorance that is the root of discrimination against trans people can be overcome. In fact it must be overcome if we take to heart the best interest of children.
