News and Events => People news => Topic started by: stephaniec on January 28, 2016, 08:02:18 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Why Do So Many Laws Protect Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People, But Not Transgend
Post by: stephaniec on January 28, 2016, 08:02:18 PM
Why Do So Many Laws Protect Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People, But Not Transgender People?

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a52831/transgender-discrimination-laws/

Cosmopolitan/By Lane Moore  Jan 28, 2016

"Indiana recently passed a state bill that would allow gay, lesbian, and bisexual people civil rights protections against discrimination, but transgender people were left out of the bill's protection entirely. This means that while gay, lesbian, and bisexual people will receive protection from being fired, denied service, or facing eviction because of who they are, transgender people are basically on their own in that department, and it's not the first time we're seeing that distinction being made. "
Title: Re: Why Do So Many Laws Protect Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People, But Not Transgend
Post by: Deborah on January 28, 2016, 08:31:52 PM
My guess is that right now we are an easy target.  The Christian Right has expended a lot of energy and money over the years on the Gay issues and they have been soundly defeated.  Society accepts the LGB and the religious have no hope of winning that fight.  But we are new in the public eye and largely an unknown so they pick our issues for what they hope will be an easy win.

I think also that the fact that LGB is largely invisible day to day whereas we are not plays in to it also.


Sapere Aude
Title: Re: Why Do So Many Laws Protect Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People, But Not Transgend
Post by: suzifrommd on January 28, 2016, 08:42:34 PM
We're also squeamish about making ourselves heard and demanding our rights, or even about educating people about who we are and why we do what we do.
Title: Re: Why Do So Many Laws Protect Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People, But Not Transgend
Post by: Lady_Oracle on January 28, 2016, 11:54:15 PM
Because we're just not there yet. Our community is so small in comparison to the gay community that it's basically impossible for any real change to happen in a quick amount of time without the help of allies. I'm just happy things are getting better slowly but surely. 10 years ago things were way worst. I find looking at the past, helps keep a good perspective on how things are going. I keep wondering about going into politics one day maybe. I know I definitely want to do activism work.

It takes a special kind of person to be able to put themselves out there in any form of activism, face all the transphobia and on top of that deal with their own transition. I can't really blame anyone for not wanting be in the public spotlight.