Tuesday, Novemeber 20th marked the fourteenth annual day of Transgender Remembrance. The White House joined in taking a moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives because of anti-transgender violence. Here in New York, on the eve of this national day of remembrance, Syracuse became the last city to pass an amendment to protect against transgender discrimination.
Even though the individual cites in New York state have united in their charters to protect equality for transgender people, the state senate still refuses to consider the proposed Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Protection through equality laws on a state-wide level would make the law a more permanent feature in the legislature of New York. The GENDA act would not only outlaw discrimination against transgender people in the state of New York but it would expand the state’s hate crimes law to explicitly include crimes against transgender people.
The word transgender is an umbrella term that applies to anyone that identifies with a gender that is different from the assignment given at birth. The ongoing debate about equality within the country is vital for awareness. In the wake of the recent election, it is more important than ever to make sure that the votes concerning city-wide legislation are given as much time as those that affect the nation. We also want to take a moment to remember those that would have been protected by the laws we are working to pass.
Advocates Meeting at the White House
To learn more about the Transgender Day of Remembrance
To learn more about transgender equality
