Transgender Equality and the Federal Government
http://nctequality.org/federal_gov.htmlThe laws and policies of the federal government have a tremendous impact on all people in the United States, including transgender people. With the swearing in of the new Congress and the new Presidential Administration, we have an unprecedented opportunity to improve the lives of transgender people and our families. This document outlines the federal policy areas we must work to change to advance transgender equality.
NCTE has identified the issues that must be addressed before transgender people can participate equally in American society. Many of the laws and policies listed in this document are remnants of old stereotypes, such as the inhumane prison healthcare policies, while others, such as the REAL ID Act, seem to hurt transgender people simply as an unintended consequence. Still others, such as the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), are intentionally discriminatory. Implementing these recommended changes in laws and policies will dramatically enhance the lives of transgender people and our families.
This list was developed by NCTE with the guidance of numerous individuals and organizations. Staff and volunteers from various partner organizations have spent countless hours identifying and analyzing these policies. Throughout the process, work groups were convened to discuss the impact that federal policies have on transgender people; many of these work groups will continue to meet as we move forward.
