Freedom of Gender and Genderqueer
Freedom of gender embraces transgender rights and then goes beyond to what is called Genderqueer and Gender Non-Conforming. See a broader picture...
BEYOND TWO SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS: GENDERQUEER AND GENDER NON-CONFORMING
Sexual orientation encompasses a spectrum from heterosexual to homosexual with some people falling between the two and preferring to identify as bisexuals.
Similarly, gender encompasses a spectrum from male to female with some people preferring to identify as genderqueer (either not caring to identify as one of the two sexes or preferring to encompass both genders) or gender non-conforming instead of being constraint by gender stereotyping.
Certainly, it enhances society to allow its members to self identify as they wish and love whomever they choose.
GENDER IDENTITY ISSUES
In this spectrum of gender and sexual orientation, transgender people and anybody who is gender variant and may not conform to traditional gender roles, including transvestites, transsexuals and those who are intersexed face significant inequalities:
- Severe employment discrimination
- Healthcare access and coverage
- Freedom to declare any gender (or no gender) on official documents including birth certificate, passport, drivers' license, passport, social security card, real ID for voting.
- Access to restrooms
- Air travel scrutiny
- Gender stereotyping
- Amend military medical and uniform regulations that discriminate transgender servicemembers
The issue about whether the change of gender in documents should be made after surgery or an appropriate time decided by the person involved and the doctor is discussed in this Harvard Kennedy School: Fair and Accurate Identification for Transgender People.
WHO TO SUPPORT AND FUND
- National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
NCTE is working on a broad range of goals, including reversal of harmful practices and executive orders that adversely impact the transgender population. An example is the new requirement for employers to match the gender of employees on Social Security records.
- Transgender Law Center (TLC)
The Transgender Law Center utilizes direct legal services, public policy advocacy, and educational opportunities to advance the rights and safety of transgender individuals. Now an independent organization, TLC was a program of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. It does most of its work in California.
- Sylvia Rivera Law Project
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to change policies in New York State affecting transgender, transsexual, intersex and gender nonconforming people. This work is achieved through training, lobbying and litigation.
- Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)
GLAD has a history of litigating transgender issues in the Northeast. Cases include: tax deduction for sex reassignment surgery, firing upon disclosure of transitioning as well as landmark victories to include transgender non-discrimination in Massachusetts and Connecticut statutes.
- National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
NCLR has successfully litigated some key cases for transgender people including winning the Kanteras v. Kanteras case which included dissolution of marriage and child custody in Florida.
- ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project
The ACLU has been very active in protecting the rights of transgender people. They are working on non-discrimination protection in federal employment as well as protections for transgender inmates in need of appropriate medical treatment.
- GenderPAC
GenderPAC is actively working to end discrimination and violence caused by gender stereotypes by implementing several important programs including:
> GenderYOUTH - a network of college students
> Children As They Are - a parenting support network
> Workplace Fairness Program - non discrimination policies in major corporations
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