Group says transgender teen was abused in Philadelphia agency's custody

[Butterfly]

Group says transgender teen was abused in Philadelphia agency's custody
The Morning Call
MCT News Service
October 30, 2009


http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/travel/sns-200910301918mctnewsservbc-transgender-teen-ph2,0,6397136.story


PHILADELPHIA A transgender teenager who identifies as a girl said she was subject to constant abuse and discrimination during 18 months in the custody of the Department of Human Services.

At the Youth Study Center, the 16-year-old teen was placed in the boys' unit, where she said she was harassed by staff and residents despite a judge's order that she be addressed by her preferred female name and female pronouns.

This week, a national civil rights group filed a complaint on her behalf with the Commission on Human Relations alleging unlawful discrimination. The commission can enforce state antidiscrimination laws.