Hello from Pinellas County, the most populous in Florida, and one of the most backward counties in the USA. Recently our board of county commissioners read an amendment to the county's HRO for sexual orientation only. That is NOT what was presented to them. The commission had the County attorney remove gender identity and expression from the wording. They are afraid of us, and potential damage to their political careers. The right wind religious nut wings, not expecting a turnout of Trans and Trans advocates, shot themselves in the foot by calling gays and lesbians "sexual deviants". The Commissioners took offense. The Trans and our advocates spoke. There were almost twice as many non trans speaking in our favor as there were Trans people. I invited, even begged, implored about 3 dozen or so Trans people from this county to appear. 7 showed up. I am not very happy with my community, but the non-Trans advocates brought tears to my eyes with their incredible support. Some of the commissioners acted surprised, as if they had no idea that any Trans people lived in their county. (I, along with several people, sent them each emails before the hearing) They refused to add us back into it, and voted the gays, lesbians and bis (I don't get this one) in, and "promised" to study our situation for 6 weeks and come back. Do you folks know the average time it takes for a government to "come back" for us when we get left out? 14 years! We have some serious work to do, and realize that we aren't doing it for ourselves (we are almost all over 50) we are doing it for the kids here now, who are afraid of the govt. and for the generations to come. But do this we must! Please pray for our success, even as we pray for the success of Trans people in MD. Thanks for you support!
