Article: Workplace Struggles Still a Common Occurance

[Carolyn Marie]

This is a good summary of where things stand nationally regarding workplace protections for trans people, and there are some touching personal stories as well.

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/06/transgender-rights-in-the-workplace-are-still-unclear/258822/

Carolyn Marie

[KathrynJulia]

Carolyn

Everyday I watch you work tirelessly to inform us of news pertinent to our community. You do so unselfishly and you inspire me. I to need to advocate our causes even here in very conservative Missouri. It's a big battle that can only be won by convincing people one person at a time to recognize that we are good, decent people who deserve to be treated fairly. You inspired me to write my Congressman and even if he votes against, he has to recognize that the world is changing because we are here and we aren't going away. What we are asking for is simple fairness and decent people are changing their thinking and coming around to support basic decency to our community. Here is my letter to Congreeman Blaine Leutkemeyer:

Congressman Leutekemeyer

I am writing to urge you to please support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). If you are black and are fired from a job or refused an opportunity because of race, law protects you. If you are a woman and denied employment for a job you are clearly qualified for, that is discrimination under the law. If you are a lesbian woman and your employer finds out and is anti-gay and fires you.. No protection, none. I am a transgendered man who has known since age five that I was a girl trapped in a male body. My folks sent me to a psychologist and later to a psychiatrist at age 12 and the Army referred me to a psychiatrist at age 21. I'm 57 living in the closet and I can't do it anymore congressman. I can't live in the body I'm living in. It is all wrong and it makes me unhappy and angry all the time. I'm transitioning now and finally I'm feeling calm and enjoying getting out of bed every day now. I'm taking hormone therapy and in the next year or two, I plan to come out to my employer. I'm no threat to anyone. All my life I have worked tirelessly to help other people while carrying my burden. I would change, but I can't. Transgendered people are born this way. It occurs in the womb, where hormones are supposed to masculinize or feminize the brain and something goes wrong. Science now has the means to do an MRI and see the difference in our brains. Transgendered people have the highest rate of suicide in the country. I know because I am a moderator on an internet site that tries to prevent and help people who are transgendered from taking their own life. Congressman we need help to level the playing field. Brave Representatives in Congress passed the Civil Rights Act and look what it has meant to the opportunities offered and protected. Jesus stood up for the underdog, the poor, people who could not catch a break and he cherished them. I'm a good decent person who is asking for protection from my government. To offer me and people like me protection so that I may enjoy life, liberty and to pursuit happiness. I'm asking for basic fairness in the workplace, where I live and how I live. Thank you for listening Congressman Luetkemeyer. Please support ENDA by voting yes.

[Guest amanda_s]

Wow great letter Kathryn Julia

Amanda

[Guest Mia J]

Thanks Carolyn.

While I am one of the lucky ones living in Colorado I think we do need laws at the national level.

My only problem is that if they really want to get rid of you they will find a way.

Mia

[Carolyn Marie]

That's a fantastic letter, KJ. Thank you for sharing it with us, and thank you so much for your kind comments. Advocacy takes many forms, and for those of us who transition, just our mere presence in the world as good and decent people shows others we are deserving of respect. We are all ambassadors of our Community. You have done us proud, KathrynJulia.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Melissa~]

I have congressman Aiken here... I have sent a few letters advocating ENDA, his office may as well be a black hole for letters though. No one should really need an explanation about Aiken, plenty of information is out there, particularly since he wants to be a national player now.