Transgender Awareness Month is a time to reflect and respond. It is an opportunity to draw attention to the inequities experienced by transgender persons every day and in every part of the world. Transgender people encounter discrimination in virtually every aspect of their lives. For many, this can include verbal harassment and physical violence, rejection from family and community, dismissal from jobs, eviction from housing, and denial of services.
Transgender Awareness Month is a time to take action. Social workers should challenge policies and practices that create inequality based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) will make it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Secretary of State John Kerry highlighted the importance of equity in these simple words: The rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons are not special or separate or different. They are basic human rights. And human rights are universal, not negotiable.
Learn more about how to improve the health, safety, and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
Posted by: Evelyn P. Tomaszewski, ACSW
