LGBT should focus on employment rights instead ofmarriage rights

[KathrynJulia]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-juro/why-marriage-needs-to-take-a-backseat-to-workplace-rights_b_1770616.html?utm_hp_ref=transgender

The above link is linked to a column that appeared in the Huffington Post. This author nailed it correctly. LGBT groups are spending enormous amounts of money, effort, and time promoting same sex marriage. 31 states have passed constitutional bans to same sex marriage. To get those states to overturn those bans is going to take herculean efforts to accomplish.

ENDA is closer to being passed and a whole lot more important than same sex marriage rights to somebody who was made homeless because they were the first to be laid off or fired. We trans people need workplace protections. Being unemployed allows us to donate money and time to political causes. Instead of just trying to survive. Discrimination in the workplace damages self-esteem, wears a person down, depression, homelessness and a host of problems.

So I agree with the above blogger. Lets get our brothers and sisters employed. Lets get workplace rights passed so that we are fairly treated on the job. Jennifer was having a really bad day earlier this week. She is fully transitioned, yet her worthless HR department hasn't worked out a plan to ensure that she has a bathroom on the job that she can be comfortable using. We need to have fair laws across the board that covers all across the United States, in every state, in every community, in every company. Transsexual employees need to be treated with respect, with dignity, with courtesy.

Please read the above blog. The writer lays out a compelling arguement to push our resources to passing ENDA. The more of our community that are employed, treated fairly, people will begin to see that LGBTQ people are good people.

We are worth hiring because of our skills. Other employees need to see us and work with us. Soon they will begin to lose their transphobic and Homophobic feelings. They will soon start feeling, why all the fuss? LGBT persons are just people.

Kathryn

[Guest KimberlyF]

The LGBT agenda is set by rich white males. Shocking? Some things never change. Look at who runs most major groups. Jobs just aren't a concern to them.

[Kyla666]

I feel for the people who can't get jobs just because there Transgender BUT.... I don't think all the focus should be switched over to Job rights..

Now they should Split it and fight just as hard for job rights and same sex marriage, Just because some states have placed Laws to stop same sex marriage does not mean we should just give up. Really it just means we need to fight harder so them states know we are not some small voice but a LOUD voice to be heard.

[VickySGV]

Just from a point of report and not criticism, but the LGB portion of the social order has gotten employment rights for its members, and keeping a deceased horse around for target practice with a pop-gun is questionable. They have no real duties to the T social grouping, so why not send the White Knight out for juicier dragons?

I do not think I am a traitor to the T social grouping for feeling this way, but I for one do not refer to a Transgender Community simply because there is so little unity in what we feel is needed in legislation. I do not think we are ready yet for the cis gender community, (of which the LGB are members) to be able to understand what our co-populists really need if we are to have it by enforceable legislation. We have too many demands and have done too little so far to educate employers and the public in general.

My own direction on this is that I am redirecting part of my financial support from an LGBT advocacy group and increasing my contribution to a Transgender advocacy group. http://transequality.org/ is my choice. A simple solution, and hopefully more effective.

[Guest Chrissy6455]

It will be a long time until Transgender people will get rights in the workplace on a national level. While we are grouped in with LGBT, We really are kind of like the poor relative that noone wants to deal with. We may get a bone thrown to us occasionally, however, we are not a priority when it comes gay and Lesbian rights, while in most work places, being Gay or lesbian is more accepted then being transgender, so they care more about the same sex marriage as that is their major obstacle they then to pass. Transfolk as a whole need to unite together and become one solid voice and fight for our own rights.

[Guest amanda_s]

I think employment is something that needs to be worked on. Last year i started working where i am now they called me in three weeks ago for an interview i was the only one interviewed for cap2 last year i was junior cabinet maker i have been doing this sinse i was 16. i get more money. what will they do in about 2 years when i can't pass for a guy ? there are women at work some in the plant and some in the office. will they keep me or fire me right now i don't know. i really like working there if everything goes well in 3 months i get in the union and get full health and 80% dental. there has been some changes in the ontario human rights codes after october then they will stay.

Amanda

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

Agree with you totally, Kathryn!

Being exemplary people, great employees or business owners and pleasant people, I believe, will help mainstream society first tolerate, then accept and ultimately embrace we of the LGBT Community. You, like I am, are old enough to remember when were were kids and teens and how society was back then.

People of color, women and other "minorities" have come a long way, indeed, so this proves that it CAN be done. We apparently are the last group it's "okay" to hate and disrespect. No longer. Take a stand, peacefully and cheerily but firmly nonetheless for our dignity as people and, like you say, employees too.

Just my two-cents' worth.

Peace & Joy Lacey Lynne

[Guest DanD]

All they did was push people to where they felt they should make laws to prevent gay marriage. Legal gay marriage isnt going to change anything in itself anyway. If they want to make sure their spouse is considered next of kin or whatever, they should have legal contracts written up, and Wills specifying things..cover the bases that way.

thats the only way to ensure that youre all on the same page about rights and issues where they count regarding couples. what they hope for is that gay marriage will make everyone think theyre "normal" but normal is what the majority is. (by definition)

Jobs and housing are extremely important issues. Everyone needs a place to live and an income, soi as priorities go, I can probably say that i'd agree with them on the job agenda. We need more money then most just to live and/or better health insurance anyway. Most people dont have to pay for their gender, theyre just born with it. Luckyducks! and they take it for granted too.