------------------------- Via Workers World News Service Reprinted from the Oct. 17, 2002 issue of Workers World newspaper -------------------------
BUFFALO, N.Y.: TRANS PEOPLE GAIN PROTECTIONS By Leslie Feinberg A victory in upstate New York along with findings in a recent poll indicate that transgender and transsexual people are winning deeper public understanding and a small but significant increase in their rights. The city of Buffalo, N.Y., has joined New York, nearby Rochester and 44 other jurisdictions across the country in extending anti-discrimination protection to transgender and transsexual people. In 12-to-one votes on Sept. 17, Buffalo's Common Council approved protection against discrimination in employment and housing based on "gender identity and expression." Mayor Anthony Masiello has announced that he will sign the amendments into law when they land on his desk. Camille Hopkins, a City Hall employee and male-to-female transsexual, had testified before the City Council, "In my outreach and education efforts throughout the Buffalo area, I often encounter transgender individuals who are in constant fear of losing their job, their apartment or being the victim of a hate crime." The progressive legislation was initiated and sponsored by African American Councilperson Antoine Thompson, who said, "It's another step to break from Buffalo's past and encourage tolerance and diversity." Support for the measures drew together diverse forces, including Men of Color Health Awareness Project, Transgender Coalition, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays and Stonewall Democrats. A recent national poll commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign reveals how much consciousness the trans movement has elevated in recent years. Sixty-one percent think that laws like Buffalo's are needed to protect trans people from discrimination. Fifty-seven percent believe it is illegal to fire people just because they are transgender or transsexual. That's not true, but it shows their hearts--unlike those of employers who fire with impunity--are in the right place. Seventy-seven percent say transgender students should be allowed to attend public schools. Forty-eight percent would have "no problem" working with a transgender person; only 8 percent balked. The HRC stressed in its Oct. 2 news release that "despite differences between sympathizers and opponents, there is a strong general consensus that no one should be subjected to violence and discrimination because of who they are." And, the release added, "Despite some negative segments of the population, much of the public expresses interest and concern for transgender people." Under the weight of struggle, the long arc of history bends towards justice. - END - (Copyright Workers World Service: Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this document, but changing it is not allowed. For more information contact Workers World, 55 W. 17 St., NY, NY 10011; via e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe [EMAIL PROTECTED] Support the voice of resistance http://www.workers.org/orders/donate.php) ------------------ This message is sent to you by Workers World News Service. To subscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send administrative queries to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
