President Obama and Trans Federal Employees

[Julie Marie]

More Positive Change 

May 27, 2011

Today, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued three official statements on the appropriate treatment of trans employees in the federal workplace.  The Administration is continuing to strengthen its commitment to ensuring that the federal government will hire the best people regardless of their gender identity.

First, OPM issued overall guidance as a follow-up to President Obama's June 2009 memorandum, which clarified that the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 protects transgender employees and jobseekers. This new guidance shows managers across the government how to appropriately respond to trans issues in the workplace.

...

According to NCTE Executive Director Mara Keisling, "these newly released policies really show that the Administration and OPM are serious about eliminating the barriers to federal services by transgender people. Though there are still some discriminatory policies to root out, these are very positive steps forward."

[Dawn D.]

"the existing exclusion of sex reassignment surgical benefits in federal employee benefit plans remains for now. "

I find the "for now" to be an interesting teaser. It would seem progress is potentially in the works toward removal of the exclusionary language. 

Overall, the past three years have brought significant positive results in federal workplace protection for transsexual/gender people. As the article states there is much more that can be done.

Keep up the good work NCTE and others!


Dawn

[Julie Marie]

Think this would be happening with a Republican president?

[Dawn D.]

Think this would be happening with a Republican president?

Maybe when the Megan McCain generation of republicans come of age. However, until then what I think will be of major concern is, because there are far too many potential republicans controlled by the Sally Kern iteration of republicanism; when one does eventually become our Nation's leader we run the very real risk of repeal of these Presidential executive orders. As witnessed by the actions of what has recently occured in places like Tennessee.

At the risk of being overly defensive of republican idealism:

Therefore, I think it imperative that there become as many as possible, transsexual/gender people involved in the republican party as there can be. I know there are some in the small community in which I live. There are a many of us whom have base republican ideals which we believe in. And, likely not a lot different than base democratic ideals. It's the social ideals that need revamping within the republican camp. Currently we are pretty much disenfranchised from the republican party. Thanks to the likes of people such as Sally Kern. This is why I switched to Independant. Some day though, (and I hope I live long enough) we'll take back the republican party and make it resemble what it orginally was. A party that believe's in individualism and that the Bill of Rights in our Constitution is there to reinforce that idea. Actually working to keep government out of our 'bedroom' (metaphorically as well as litterally), to include the rights of people to display openly your love for the person who loves you, marry the person you love regardless of either of your sexes. And lastly, because your gender is something you know you must change your sex because of, this too is a basic right of individualism. Keeping religious doctrine out of and away from party influence within is the cornerstone to begin this reform.

Sadly these things will be a long time in coming for the republicans, I'm fairly certain. 



Dawn

[kate durcal]

Hi  Julie Marie,

Thanks for keeping an ear on the wire. Do you have link?

Love,

Kate D

[Julie Marie]

Thanks for keeping an ear on the wire. Do you have link?

Click on "More Positive Change" in the OP.

Dawn,  I don't know of you are aware of this but there is a presidential candidate in the Republican party who is openly gay.  His name if Fred Karger.  I've been following him from the beginning and it's painfully obvious the Pubs have been doing all they can to trip him up, discourage him and try to make him go away without blatantly discriminating against him.  But he keeps going.

You can learn more about him at http://fredkarger.com/

[kate durcal]

Some time ago we sign the "trasgender manifesto" I would be helpful if we send it ot every congresspersons and representatives and potential candidates

Kate D

[kate durcal]

and the supreme court memebers

[Dawn D.]

Julie Marie,

Thank You! I had never heard of him before. I will though, be watching and listening closely! From reading his site he seems to hit most all of the right notes with me. I hope he gets an opportunity to enter into the National debate process amongst the 'establishment' candidates. I think it would prove quite interesting.

Thanks, once again!


Dawn