Groundbreaking study finds pervasive discrimination against transgender people

Groundbreaking study finds pervasive discrimination against transgender people

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) released a comprehensive new report yesterday, “Injustice at Every Turn,” revealing the depth of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people in a wide range of areas, including education, health care, employment, and housing.    Based on responses from over 6,450 participants, the report is the first large-scale national study of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people. The results are astonishing and alarming: 41% of respondents reported attempting suicide, compared to only 1.6% of the general population. Respondents were twice as likely to be unemployed as the population as a whole.  One in five respondents experienced homelessness because of their gender identity or expression. Respondents were nearly four times more likely to live in extreme poverty, with household income of less than $10,000. Yet, despite these hardships, transgender and gender non-conforming persons persevere. Over 78% reported feeling more comfortable at work and their performance improving after transitioning, despite the same levels of harassment in the workplace. No one should be out of a job, living in poverty, or faced with sub-par health care simply because of their gender identity or expression. The scope of the problem is clear.  It's up to all of us to work towards a solution. Learn more about the survey, and visit endtransdiscrimination.org to get involved and take action.

To apply to join, or to send comments and suggestions, contact Marc Dubin, Esq., Chair, at mdubin@pobox.com or at 305 896 3000.