Trans Universe

Since this article will find its way to various non-trans-specific blogs, I should begin with describing what an Educational Initiative is and a little history behind them.  The EI was a creation of long-time activist, Angela Brightfeather when she was the Chair of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition’s Activism Committee.  Her idea came about in 2001, when the transgender community was having difficulty convincing the Human Rights Campaign to support inclusion in ENDA.  Déjà vu all over again?

An EI is NOT a protest in spite of what many may think.  It is a true, educational opportunity to allow transgender people to speak directly with HRC’s supporters and put a face on an issue that many have no idea about.  The original purpose came out of anger and a hope to put a dent into HRC’s income at a place that they get their most money, at their local dinners. (more…)

Many non-trans people will look at this article as just another whining trans person, complaining about ENDA.  All the reasons we should have been covered in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and all the lying and back stabbing has been covered by enough blogs and articles that if combined, it would make War and Peace look like a pamphlet.

I’m not here to complain or point out how evil HRC and Barney Frank are.  This article will tell you about a few people I know who have been affected by employment discrimination.  Think HRC or Frank will read this?  Someone should send it to them.

My friend Darlene lives in Indiana.  She’s a 20-year Army veteran and served in Vietnam.  A healthy trans woman, she cannot find a job and is currently living in one of those efficiency motels, paying by the week.  Her only source of income is her once-a-month retirement check that barely keeps her alive.  Sometimes, the money runs out before the end of the month and she’s forced to live in her car until the next check arrives.  Congress should be ashamed of themselves for treating Darlene this way. (more…)