Written Statement of Reverend Erin K. Swenson

[Natasha]

Written Statement of Reverend Erin K. Swenson

Link
6/26/2008

"As a minister, a counselor and an advocate for transgender people, I have known far too many, and have heard far too many more stories of, men and women in dire situations because they cannot find or keep a job –not because they are unqualified, lazy or incompetent—but simply because they have the courage to be who they truly are. As a transgender woman, I experienced this discrimination first hand, when my transition from male to female threatened my ability to continue my role as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. It is my sincere hope that, by learning from stories like mine through this hearing, Congress can move toward protecting transgender people from discrimination."