Equality and Justice Day was a success. Over 600 people from all over came to the state capitol. The two big issues were the passage of the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and protecting TGLBQ youth against conversion therapy. After a fine welcome from Empire State Pride Agenda, people went on visits to assembly members and state senators or to workshops. I did the latter.
In the morning workshop I listened to high school students share their stories on what it is to transgender gender variant in their respective schools. Some were harassed, bullied, or in one case, threatened. I admired their courage in doing things to change the culture in their schools. They all agreed that it was up to the school to provide a safe environment for ALL students.
After lunch, there was a rally at the steps of the capitol. At the afternoon workshop, the facilitators shared the need to create job security for TGLBQ workers in cooperatives. The decline in safe spaces for TGLBQ people was always discussed. I shared my story of transition with my table mates. I met someone who I correspond with on the forum. During the journey back our bus broke down so we had to double up in one of the other buses.
It was my second time going to Albany. I have a better of what is needed to move some bills and present transgender issues to the legislators. I will attend again next year.
