Transgender Day: A Journey For Social Change
Tuesday, 23 November 2010 17:44
Written by Pauline Park

http://www.southfloridagaynews.com/sfgn-columnists/guest-columnists/2557-transgender-day-a-journey-for-social-change.html

On a solemn occasion such as the Transgender Day of Remembrance, when we remember those we have lost to violence and hate, it is important to understand what legislation and law can and cannot do. Non-discrimination laws can help protect us from discrimination, but they cannot eliminate discrimination. Hate crimes laws can help reduce hate crimes against transgendered people — at least those that include gender identity and expression, but hate crimes laws cannot eliminate hate crimes.

We must recognize that law is an important but a weak tool of social change. It is only through a change of hearts and minds that we can substantially change the grim reality that greets many members of our community as they try to make their way in a still-hostile society. But what law can do is to send a signal to those who would commitdiscrimination and hate crimes.