QuoteRep. Barbara Richardson, D-Richmond, said nondiscrimination laws have been passed in 13 states, Washington, D.C. and 98 counties and cities to protect people based on gender identity and expression.

She says 27 New Hampshire employers have adopted their own similar policies.

But that still leaves many transgender individuals unprotected.

Blanchette filed a lawsuit against St. Anselm, which was settled out of court in 2006.

Gerri Cannon, of Merrimack, wasn't able to take such action.

Cannon, a senior marketing manager, was one of several people who were laid off from a software firm, after working in the field 30 years.

The move, Cannon believes, was not about a lack of work, because it came two months after she submitted a letter about her transition.

"In reality, someone just didn't want to deal with me," she said