Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition http://www.transadvocacy.org Working for Freedom and Empowerment in Gender Identity and Expression Since 1996 Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:42:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Transgender Lives 2012 Program Book http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/BzBQgAu3fZ0/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=504#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:27:22 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=504

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=504 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=504 Frequently Asked Questions About the Massachusetts Transgender Equal Rights Bill http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/8LwMg2huVEc/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=473#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:18:04 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=473 by Courtesy of GLAD

Bay Windows Contributor

Tuesday Nov 22, 2011

GLADWhen does the Transgender Equal Rights Bill take effect?
After Gov. Deval Patrick signs the bill into law, it will be effective as of July 1, 2012.

Exactly what protections will transgender people have under this law?
It outlaws discrimination based on gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, credit, lending, and education. This means you cannot be fired or denied a job because you are transgender; a landlord cannot refuse to rent an apartment to you because you are transgender; a bank cannot deny you credit or a loan because you are transgender; you cannot be denied a mortgage because you are transgender; and you cannot be denied access to K-12 public educational facilities, programs or services because you are transgender.

It also adds protections based on gender identity to Massachusetts’ hate crimes law. That means that people convicted of anti-transgender hate crimes will face added criminal penalties and increased fines.

What are public accommodations, and why aren’t they included in the bill’s protections?
The term “public accommodations” refers to any facility — stores, restaurants, movie theatres, malls, public restrooms, etc. — that opens itself up to the public for the purpose of providing goods or services. Though they were included in the original version of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill, members of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary stripped the bill of the public accommodations provisions before moving the bill out of that committee. Since there is no formal report from the committee, it is unwise and impossible to say what motivated each of the members of the committee to take that step. Advocates of the bill have heard that the public accommodations were removed primarily because of unfounded fears stoked by our opponents that including them would somehow make women and children unsafe in public restrooms and a misunderstanding that the public accommodations provision somehow equated to protections for transgender people in bathrooms and locker rooms.

What does this mean for the use of public bathrooms/locker rooms by transgender people?
Massachusetts law, as amended by the recent Transgender Equal Rights Bill, is silent as to which public bathrooms/locker rooms transgender people should use. However, existing law does prohibit gender-based discrimination against anyone accessing public accommodations. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) has definitively ruled that existing discrimination laws protect transgender people though there have been no specific Massachusetts rulings about what that means in terms of access to public bathrooms/locker rooms. If you have questions or concerns about your legal rights regarding access to restrooms, locker rooms, or any other public accommodation please call GLAD’s Legal InfoLine, 1-800-455-4523, Monday – Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. You can also email questions at http://www.glad.org/rights/infoline-contact#infoline-form.

Will my health insurance provider cover gender reassignment surgery or other transition-related health care under this law?
The law does not expressly address health insurance benefits. Insurance is controlled by state and federal law depending on the nature of the benefit and whether it is provided by a private or public employer. Anyone with questions about what their particular plan must provide should consult an attorney.

Why isn’t the phrase “gender expression” included in the language of the bill?
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary changed the term that got added into existing laws from “gender identity and expression” to “gender identity.” However, the definition of the term “gender identity” in the version of the bill that will be adopted into law clearly includes protections for gender-based expression as well as gender identity. The definition of gender identity as adopted is “any person’s gender-related identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior differs from that traditionally associated with the person’s physiology or assigned sex at birth,” — the key words in the definition for gender-based expression being “gender-related…appearance, or behavior.” This language is comparable to the definition of gender identity or expression included in the 15 other jurisdictions to have adopted similar laws.

Does the bill require that someone provide proof of having a medical condition or consistent presentation in order to be protected under it?
No, as explained above, the law protects people based on their gender identity as well as on their gender-related appearance and behavior. The definition of gender identity provides that a person’s gender identity must be sincerely held and not being asserted for any improper purposes. The definition also includes medical evidence and consistent presentation as two examples of ways to show that a person’s gender identity is sincerely held. However, the law also makes clear that there are other ways to show that a person’s gender identity is sincerely held and that there can be no requirement of someone having medical evidence to prove it. The definition is broad and inclusive and the bill, as passed, did not cut back on the intended scope of the definition as introduced.

Information courtesy of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=473 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=473 TransAdvocacy’s Tenth Annual Day of Remembrance ~ Sunday Nov 20th … http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/ILwcgjSENqc/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=369#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:10:03 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=369  

The Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition, MCC/Hartford, City of Hartford LGBT Issues Commission, HGLHC, PFLAG/Hartford and many of our allies and community will be Remembering those individuals who are brutally murdered simply because they are Transgender!

Sunday, November 20, 2011
5:15 PM Gathering at Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Ave, Hartford
Vigil Walk from Charter Oak to the Hartford Public Library
5:30 PM Vigil at the (front steps) Hartford Public Libray
7:00 PM Transgender DOR Program at MCC Hartford, 155 Wyllys Street, Hartford

(click to download flyer)

Connecticut’s Tenth Annual DOR Sponsors: Ct TransAdvocacy, MCC/Hartford, City of Hartford LGBT Issues Commission, Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective and PFLAG/Hartford

For more information text (860) 983-8139 or email jerimarie @ transadvocacy.com

TransDOR

Those Being Remembered in 2010 from the International Transgender Day of Remembrance:

The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder – like most anti-transgender murder cases – has yet to be solved.

Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender – that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant – each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=369 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=369 CT Transgender Legal Protections Document http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/8FLflQVCEdY/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=477#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:27:12 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=477 On July 1, 2011, Governor Dannel Malloy signed into law Public Act 11-55, “An Act Concerning Discrimination,” which adds gender identity or expression to Connecticut’s anti-discrimination laws. The law protects against discrimination in employment, education, housing, public accommodations, and in any other areas in which sex discrimination is prohibited.  The document below, prepared by GLAD and CWEALF, provides the details of what this law covers.

ct-trans-legal-protections

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=477 1 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=477 BUSTED! October 7th… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/2B0zm15YRa0/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=354#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:52:03 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=354

Celebrate TransEquality in Connecticut AND Strut Your Stuff!!!

a transadvocacy fundraiser

BUSTED! AGAIN

DJ by Ms. Tasha

MC by Imperial Sovereign Court of All CT

DATE: October 7, 2011
TIME: 7 PM till …
LOCATION: Tommy’s Restaurant
825 Saybrook Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Directions
Download Flyer

$10 at the door (Pay what you can, no one turned away for lack of funds)
21+

BUSTED! A fashion show by and for the trans and gender non-conforming
community, its allies and friends.

BUSTED! Every time someone’s messed up your pronoun, read you on the street, asked you about your genitals five minutes after shaking your hand.

BUSTED! Because you just had top surgery and want to show off your new chest.

BUSTED! Because it’s someone else’s turn to feel like they don’t fit in.

BUSTED! Because you know how hot you are and want to strut your stuff.

Strut Your Stuff
Further info: info@transadvocacy.com
or text us at (860) 983-8139

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=354 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=354 Gender Identity & Expression Bill: What Employers Need To Know http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/I2TZPSSoqD0/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=347#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:20:47 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=347 Great legal piece By Daniel Schwartz on June 7th, 2011; Ct Law Employment Blog

Note: The Governor signed the bill into law on July 1, 2011.

Over the weekend, the General Assembly passed House Bill 6599, which adds “gender identity or expression” as a new protected category under employment law.  Governor Malloy has indicated that he will sign the bill.  Assuming he signs the bill, here’s what you need to know as an employer in Connecticut.  (For more background, you can see my prior coverage here.) Know Your Rights

When is the Bill Effective?

When signed by Governor Malloy, the bill will become effective October 1, 2011.

What Employers Are Covered?

 

 

 

 

 

Employers with 3 or more employees are covered by the bill.

What Does the Bill Do?

It adds “gender identity and expression” as a protected class. So, just like an employer is prohibited from making employment decisions based on gender or race, an employer is now prohibited from using “gender identity and expression” to make decisions too.

What is “Gender Identity and Expression”?

According to the General Assembly, it means:

a person’s gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person’s physiology or assigned sex at birth, which gender-related identity can be shown by providing evidence including, but not limited to, medical history, care or treatment of the gender-related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender-related identity or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is sincerely held, part of a person’s core identity or not being asserted for an improper purpose.

In popular terms, the term “transgender” is typically used.  You may also have heard the term “gender non-conforming individuals”.   For more information, you can view the Connecticut Transadvocacy Coalition website.

Are Any Employers Excluded?

Yes.  This new law doesn’t apply to any religious corporation or entity “with respect to the employment of individuals to perform work connected with the carrying on by such corporation” or “with respect to matters of discipline, faith, internal organization or ecclesiastical rule, custom or law which are established by such corporation”.  In other words, religious bodies can set their own rules regarding gender identity and expression.

What About the “Bathroom Issue”?

When transgendered people come out at work, one question that arises is what bathroom that individual can or should use.  This bill does not address that specifically and indeed, in suggesting that no discrimination should occur, it puts the onus on the employer to act in the employee’s best interest.  That said, for background on the issue, there are plenty of sites that discuss it and different approaches.  A recommended best practices approach is is that transgendered employees use the restroom for the gender they are presenting (unless a state law prevents an employee from doing so.)

What Steps Should Employers Take in Response to this New Bill?

  • Update any existing EEO policies and harassment policies to add “gender identity and expression”.
  • Educate staff (including managers and supervisors) of the change in the law and answer questions that anyone may have.
  • Conduct a general assessment of your company’s existing practices and ensure that it is in compliance with the terms of this new law.
  • Closer to the date of effectiveness, send out a notice to employees; there may be transgendered employees who haven’t “come out” yet.  Be proactive in creating a harassment-free environment.

If you have any questions, be sure to seek appropriate legal guidance on any other rules that might apply specifically to your type of company or situation.

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=347 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=347 Call for Workshops for the 2012 Transgender Lives Conference http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/PdfSUGxvMw8/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=337#comments Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:33:02 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=337
Our Sixth Annual Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference will be held on April 28, 2012 at the UConn Health Center in Farmington, Ct.  In preparation for this conference we are announcing our CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS for the conference.  You can submit 2011 Conferenceyour workshop electronically this year by clicking the link below titled: Submit Your Proposal.  This will be an online form that explains all relevant details for submission and importantly will allow you to fill out your proposal online.  We encourage you to submit your proposal as soon as possible, for our firm deadline for all submissions is October 21, 2011.

 

We also encourage you to forward this Request for Workshop proposals to any colleagues, friends, family or distribution lists you feel would be interested in doing a workshop at the 2012 Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference.

As this conference has dramatically grown over the years, we recognize that many of you have very important topics and experience which fold into our theme of The Intersection of Health and Law.  Workshop space is limited and all proposals will be reviewed for applicability and relevance to the Conference theme and audience.  If you feel you have a workshop that would benefit the conference then we encourage you to submit your proposal at your earliest convenience, and most definitely before the deadline date of October 21, 2011.If you have any issues submitting your proposal, or questions, please contact us by email at conference@transadvocacy.org.

Sincerely,

Jerimarie Liesegang

 

Jerimarie Liesegang, PhD, Director Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition

Member, and on behalf, of the Transgender Lives Organizing Committee

 

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=337 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=337 June TransAdvocacy Board Meeting 2012 Transgender Lives Conference Organizing Meeting Open to All Thursday, June 23 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/yuXVoVi_FVU/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=323#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:14:39 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=323 Transgender Lives Conference Meeting (6/23 from 6 to 7pm)

You are invited to our June 23rd Transgender Lives Conference organizing committee meeting for the 2012 Transgender Lives conference.  The meeting starts at 6 PM and is held at  MCC/Hartford located on 155 Wyllys Street, Hartford, CT. We had an excellent conference in 2011 and looking forward to an even better one in 2012.  However putting on this conference takes a lot of planning, input and help; so we definitely could use some helping hands.  We fully understand that not everyone can make the meetings though if you would like to be involved at some capacity with organizing the 2012 Transgender Lives Conference, please drop us an email at conference@transadvocacy.org or text us at (860) 983-8139 and we will be sure to add you to our volunteer list.

June TransAdvocacy Board Meeting (6/23 from 7 to 8:30 pm)

Just a quick reminder email to let everyone know that TransAdvocacy will be having its Board Meeting on Thursday, June 23rd at 7 pm at MCC/Hartford Church located on 155 Wyllys Street, Hartford, CT.  These meetings are open to all and we welcome you to come and partake in our discussions and planning.  And equally important, we are always looking for folks who may be interested in being on the TransAdvocacy board.

So please feel free to stop by and share some interesting dialogue, ideas and just friendship as we meet Thursday evening!  If you cannot make the meeting, though are interested in either possible participation in the board or general support of TransAdvocacy then please drop us a line at info@transadvocacy.org or text us at (860) 983-8139! 

 

Sincerely,
TransAdvocacy Coalition
PO Box 111
Farmington, Connecticut 06034
Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition
(860) 983-8139b
]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=323 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=323 A Seven Year Educational Opportunity for Transgender Equality in Connecticut http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/9j5R_M7B_x4/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=309#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:01:57 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=309 Upon reflecting on how to thank the so many people involved in passing Connecticut’s gender identity/expression anti-discrimination bill, I realized the best approach (though clearly inadequate but a first step) is to provide a historical account of this legislation over the years.  However, prior to that, it is imperative that we thank those Senators who made passage of this bill early Saturday morning a reality.  We are indebted to the unwavering support of the Governor, Andrew McDonald, Mike Lawlor and others in the Governor’s office, the Senate leadership of Senators Coleman and Bye and your Senator who voted for this bill. So please send a quick and heartfelt thank you to Governor Malloy, Andrew McDonald, Mike Lawlor via the Governors website, Senator Coleman and Senator Bye, as well as your Senator.

 

Also it is important to recognize several key folks who have been extensively involved in this legislative effort every year from 2005 to 2011 ~ Amy Miller and Alice Pritchard of CWEALF, Rachel Goldberg (the amazing woman and lawyer who brought us the 2000 CHRO ruling, as well as her extensive advocacy and education with both Dan Malloy and Andrew McDonald), Jennifer Levi of GLAD whose amazing legal guidance and insight was invaluable and of course Betty Gallo (and her team) who were relentless in their lobbying for this bill, and the guidance and direction of the Ct TransAdvocacy board members.

 

Also there are so many folks, not to mention each and everyone of you, to thank whose hard work over the years that we are indebted to for this important step for Transgender Equality.  So a quick trip down memory lane may prove the best means to detail the many years of educational and legislative work over the years, as well as to reveal at least some of those who dedicated so much time and efforts to pass this bill.

 

pre-2005: As you may recall in 2004 Connecticut passed legislation that included Gender Identity or Expression within the Ct Hate

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=309 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=309 Congratulations and Thank You! The Senate just passed HB 6599 Now on to the Governor We declare this June in Ct Trans PRIDE Month!!! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/UUVq5HOdd7s/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=318#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:12:43 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=318 Just a quick late night Congratulations and warm Thank You to all of you and your extensive advocacy this year and many prior years in supporting passage of the Anti-Discrimination bill to include Gender Identity or Expression (HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination).  HB 6599 was passed by the Senate early this AM with NO amendments!!The bill now moves onto the Governors desk for his signature into law.

 

We will send out a more detailed email this evening, though wanted to get this important message out to ALL of you and a great big THANK YOU for all your support and advocacy to make this a reality.  June is truly a month of Trans PRIDE and Equality here in Connecticut!!!

 

THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!

 

 

Please forward this e-mail to your friends and family and urge them to follow the steps above and contact their representative and senator if they are members of the Judiciary Committee
*****

Sincerely,
Jerimarie Liesegang, PhD
Director, Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition
(860) 983-8139
jerimarie@transadvocacy.org
http://www.transadvocacy.org
http://www.transgenderlives.org
]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=318 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=318 Congratulations and Thank You! The House passed HB 6599 Now on to the Senate and then Governor http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/zsK8d7ol2IU/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=327#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:16:16 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=327 Just a quick late night Congratulations and warm Thank You to all of you and your extensive advocacy this year and many prior years in supporting passage of the Anti-Discrimination bill to include Gender Identity or Expression (HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination).  HB 6599 was passed by the House late tonight with by a vote of 77 Yea’s and 62 Nay’s.  The bill now moves onto the Senate and then next to the Governors desk.  We did add a friendly amendment to this bill that was also passed by the House which we are comfortable with.

Please click this link for the vote count. If your representative voted in favor of this bill please email or call them tomorrow with a big Thank You for their critical support. Also the work of Representatives Fox and Holder-Winfield during the House chamber discussion and vote was critical, not to mention the support of the Governor, Mike Lawlor and Andrew McDonald.  So also please drop them a quick thank you.

However, our work is not done for we need to assure that this bill now passes the Senate.  So in the next few days we will be sending out more alerts asking you to call and email your Senator to request that they vote in favor of this bill when called in the Senate.  We can assure you that there will be those who will be trying to stop this bill and so your voices now will be even more critical to assure Equality in Connecticut for Gender Identity or Expression.

 

 

It has been a long number of years in our efforts to pass this important legislation and we have now achieved a critical and key hurdle with this passage by the House.  Let’s keep this momentum going a few more weeks and June will truly be a month of PRIDE and Equality here in Connecticut!!!

 

 

Please forward this e-mail to your friends and family and urge them to follow the steps above and contact their representative and senator if they are members of the Judiciary Committee.
*****

Sincerely,
Jerimarie Liesegang, PhD
Director, Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition
(860) 983-8139
jerimarie@transadvocacy.org
http://www.transadvocacy.org
http://www.transgenderlives.org
]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=327 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=327 Transgender Lives Conference April 30th… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/sGDtUuwpY8s/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=298#comments Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:55:30 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=298 Conference website at TransgenderLives.org

Registration NOW for the 2011 Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference.  Don’t miss our keynote speaker Hawk River Stone, M.S., LMHC, a psychotherapist, consultant, educator, keynote speaker and writer in private practice in the Albany, NY area and is himself an out, open and proud transsexual man.

Register Now!

 

AND this year we are offering CEU accreditation’s from NASW/CT and CHES! See the full 2011 workshop lineup below.

Click here to check out our Conference Schedule at Lanyrd!

 

However, to take advantage of this unique and wonderful opportunity to listen to Hawk River Stone, as well as attend the many exciting and challenging workshops you must be registered for the conference. If you have not done so yet, you do need to register ~ so don’t delay and do it today!!

Register Now!

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=298 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=298 HB 6599 An Act Concerning Discrimination Vote Update http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/JdnBLENYRks/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=291#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:37:50 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=291 TAKE ACTION: We will not support a bill that allows anyone to be discriminated against.

Thank you for all you’ve done already for equality in fairness and our state. There is more work to do. Let’s do it together!

Though the Judiciary Committee’s meeting ran out of time before HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination was called for a vote, we learned two important things today.

The bill is likely to be voted on next week. Amendments will be offered which would allow a teacher who is transitioning to be transferred to another school or district against their will.

We must take this opportunity to remind Judiciary Committee members to vote in favor of our bill as written. We will not support a bill that allows anyone to be discriminated against.


How you can take action

Even if you’ve already made contact, please take this opportunity to follow up with Judiciary Committee members again, asking them to vote against any amendments, particularly those that allow teachers to be discriminated against.

Please follow these steps to find our if your legislators are on the Judiciary Committee and make contact with them. If your legislators are not Judiciary Committee members, you can still make contact with a call or e-mail of support for HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination.

1. Find out who your legislators are by visiting Project Vote Smart and entering your full address with zip code in the search bar. Your state representative and state senator will be listed under the header “Current Officials” and the subheader “State Legislative.”

2. Go to this page to see if your state representative or state senator are on the Judiciary Committee.

3. If one or both of your legislators are on the Judiciary Committee, please call them at home and at their offices in Hartford. The 2011 Legislative Guide lists legislators’ home phone numbers on pages 8 – 113. If a legislator’s number is not listed, please call their offices and leave messages with their aides at the following numbers:

House Democrats 1-800-842-8267 House Republicans 1-800-842-8270 Senate Democrats 1-800-842-1420 Senate Republicans 1-800-842-1421

4. When you call, simply introduce yourself to the legislator (or aide), stating that you are a constituent calling to ask that they support HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination by voting on it as written when it comes up for a vote. Be sure to say what town you live in and make these 3 requests: 1. To please be present at the Judiciary Committee meeting when HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination comes up for a vote


2. To vote in support of HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination as written and

3. Please do not support any amendments that allow discrimination

Here is a sample script, which you can adapt if you’re leaving a voicemail or a message with an aide:

Hi, Representative or Senator Jones, my name is Terry Smith. I am your constituent. I live in Wallingford over on Elm Street. I am calling to urge you to vote in favor of HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination, as written. Please do not support any amendments that allow teachers to be discriminated against. This bill is about fairness and equality for all of our state’s residents. Will you attend the committee meeting this Wednesday and vote for HB 6599 as written?

If you are leaving a message, leave your phone number in case the legislator wishes to call back.

4. Important: Once you’ve called your legislators, get back in touch with ctEQUALITY and tell us how your conversations went. We need to know how our legislators are responding! To report back, just e-mail stamarkin@cwealf.org.

Please forward this e-mail to your friends and family and urge them to follow the steps above and contact their representative and senator if they are members of the Judiciary Committee. Also, visit our Facebook page and write on our wall that you took action for HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination!

If you have any questions or concerns, or need assistance with any of the above, please e-mail me at stamarkin@cwealf.org or call (860) 247-6090 ext. 105. To learn more, visit our website at www.ctequality.com.

*****
Sincerely,
Jerimarie Liesegang, PhD
Director, Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition
(860) 983-8139
jerimarie@transadvocacy.org
http://www.transadvocacy.org
http://www.transgenderlives.org

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=291 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=291 Hawk River Stone Keynotes 2011 Transgender Lives Conference ~ Register Today http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/6wYLg6QZDuM/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=281#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:30:39 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=281 Register NOW for the 2011 Transgender Lives Conference.  Don’t miss our keynote speaker Hawk River Stone, M.S., LMHC, a psychotherapist, consultant, educator, keynote speaker and writer in private practice in the Albany, NY area and is himself an out, open and proud transsexual man.  Full details below.


AND this year we are offering CEU accreditation’s from NASW/CT and CHES! See the full 2011 workshop lineup below.

However, to take advantage of this unique and wonderful opportunity to listen to Hawk River Stone, as well as attend the many exciting and challenging workshops you must be registered for the conference. If you have not done so yet, you do need to register ~ so don’t delay and do it today!!

Register Now!


Registration is now open for the 2011 Transgender Lives Conference to be held on April 30th, 2011 at the UConn Health Center, Farmington Connecticut.
To register via our new and improved online registration just click on the link above. Additionally, conference details and updates are located on our website TransgenderLives.org. Contact us at conference@transgenderlives.org if you have any questions.

2011 Transgender Lives Conference

Saturday April 30, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT

Academic Building of the UConn Health Center

263 Farmington Avenue

Academic Building

Farmington, CT 06030

================================

Conference Keynote Speaker:

Hawk River Stone, M.S., LMHC


Hawk River Stone
Hawk River Stone

Moonhawk River Stone, M.S., LMHC is a psychotherapist, consultant, educator, keynote speaker and writer in private practice in the Albany, NY area and is himself and out, open and proud transsexual man.

In his clinical practice, Mr. Stone has specialized in working with the LGBT community (especially with transgender people of all ages and their families), with survivors of childhood trauma, & people with dissociative disorders, with people and families where one has either a traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s dementia for well over two decades. He has special expertise in working with young transgender children and their families and is widely known and respected for his work with young children and their families.

As an educator/trainer, he has presented hundreds of workshops and trainings at numerous conferences locally, nationally and internationally, both academic & clinical on many topics, but specializes in transgender education, especially in human resource issues, policy development and implementation, and legislation. He has presented at such institutions as Yale University, Union College, State University at Albany, State University at Binghamton, and College of St. Rose, the Federally Employed Women’s annual National Training Program and New York State United Teachers union. A gifted public speaker Stone has been a keynote speaker at such events as the 2002 Bahamian LGBT Pride celebration and IFGE conferences, Connecticut Outreach Society, Fantasia Fair, TransEvents USA 2010 and others.
He is a consultant to many agencies and businesses, such as IBM, Wyle Labs, Siemens Technologies, Inc., CSX Transportation, Inc. regarding transgender issues. Stone has done graduate work toward a Ph.D. in counseling psychology.

As a political activist, currently Stone volunteers his time with Albany Capital Region, statewide, national and international organizations.

Mr. Stone is an advocate and activist for transgender human and civil rights and works to develop transgender health care policy (for instance, participating in Healthy People 2010 and 2020 forums) and transgender employment policy. He is active in working on issues related to Gender Identity Disorder’s continuing presence in the DSM and in the areas of Aging and Disability. Over the past eight years, Stonehas taken a leadership role with other activists on a concerted effort to remove the stigmatizing and discriminatory Gender Identity Disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and is the leading voice for its removal. Stone is working in collaboration with the leading activists on transgender healthcare coverage in public and private insurance, André Wilson and Jamison Green, to make transgender healthcare fully inclusive for transgender individuals. (Click to read full bio for Hawk)

==================================
The fifth annual Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference being held on Saturday, April 30 at the UConn Health Center from 8:00 AM till 5 PM. This all day conference is geared towards Service Providers, Medical and Legal Professionals, Trans and Gender non-conforming community, allies and all those interested in the Health and Law issues facing the Trans and gender non-conforming communities .


Following is a listing of the 2011 Workshops:

  • The Role of the Connecticut State Department of Education in Supporting Transgender Rights – Dr. William Howe
  • Anti-Transgender Hate Crimes and Sexual Assaults: Compounding Variables and Best Practices for
    Community/Professional Response – Michael Munson
  • Learn how to file a discrimination complaint at the CHRO/EEOC and HUD – Alix Simonetti, Esq.
  • Facial Feminization Surgery: Maximizing Results – Jeffrey Spiegel, M.D, Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Boston Medical Center
  • Transition-Related Health Care: Is It Medically Necessary? – M. Dru Levasseur, Esq
  • TransLaw: Today and Tomorrow – Brynn Cullen and Yam Menon
  • Medical Management and Treatment of the Transgender Patient – Ilja Hulinsky, MD PhD, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Internal Medicine
  • Peer Support in the Trans Community: Tips and Strategies for Group Leaders – Alex Roan and Alison Ouellette
  • Employer views, trends and issues regarding the trans community – CABO Panel
  • Self-care while making a difference – Teo Drake
  • The Jim Collins Foundation: Why Do We Need It? – Tony Ferraiolo and M. Dru Levasseur
  • Sex, love, and the body – Jacqueline Larriva
  • No Stupid Questions! – Michelle Hansen
  • Activism 101: Get Involved in the Community – Tyler Goff
  • Working with Transgender Clients – Peter Papallo and Diana Lombardi
  • Coming Out Kinky – Natasha Rose Lombardi
  • Intersex 101 Similarities And Differences Between Intersex & Trans People – Elder A. Vickie Boisseau
  • Artist Talk: Transcendence – Jess Dugan
  • Eliminating Trans Health Insurance Exclusions: Tools for Effective Advocacy – Noah Lewis
  • Safely & Empowered: Getting the Sex You Want – Carole MacKenzie & Teo Drake
  • Safer Sexual Practices and Pleasures – Jennifer Barge
  • Living with a Transgender: Life through a Teenager’s Eyes
  • SOFFA Lounge – Sage Shelton & Asa Paradis
  • Holistic view on hair removal – Deb Parlato
  • Results and Lessons learned from Trans research study to enumerate population and HIV/AIDS
    risk/prevention – TRANS Research Team
  • Consent is Sexy: Navigating Consent in the Transgender Community – Elizabeth Halla
  • Connecticut State efforts around Transgender Legislation – Ct Equality
  • It get’s better – Kelly Woodard


Sincerely,


Transgender Lives Organizing Committee
Ct TransAdvocacy Coalition
conference@transadvocacy.org
or text us at 860 983-8139
Registration NOW for the 2011 Transgender Lives Conference.  Don’t miss our keynote speaker Hawk River Stone, M.S., LMHC, a psychotherapist, consultant, educator, keynote speaker and writer in private practice in the Albany, NY area and is himself an out, open and proud transsexual man.  Full details below.




AND this year we are offering CEU accreditation’s from NASW/CT and CHES! See the full 2011 workshop lineup below.

However, to take advantage of this unique and wonderful opportunity to listen to Hawk River Stone, as well as attend the many exciting and challenging workshops you must be registered for the conference. If you have not done so yet, you do need to register ~ so don’t delay and do it today!!

Register Now!


Registration is now open for the 2011 Transgender Lives Conference to be held on April 30th, 2011 at the UConn Health Center, Farmington Connecticut.

To register via our new and improved online registration just click on the link above. Additionally, conference details and updates are located on our website TransgenderLives.org. Contact us at conference@transgenderlives.org if you have any questions.

2011 Transgender Lives Conference

Saturday April 30, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT

Academic Building of the UConn Health Center

263 Farmington Avenue

Academic Building

Farmington, CT 06030

Registration NOW for the 2011 Transgender Lives Conference.  Don’t miss our keynote speaker Hawk River Stone, M.S., LMHC, a psychotherapist, consultant, educator, keynote speaker and writer in private practice in the Albany, NY area and is himself an out, open and proud transsexual man.  Full details below.


AND this year we are offering CEU accreditation’s from NASW/CT and CHES! See the full 2011 workshop lineup below.

However, to take advantage of this unique and wonderful opportunity to listen to Hawk River Stone, as well as attend the many exciting and challenging workshops you must be registered for the conference. If you have not done so yet, you do need to register ~ so don’t delay and do it today!!

Register Now!


Registration is now open for the 2011 Transgender Lives Conference to be held on April 30th, 2011 at the UConn Health Center, Farmington Connecticut.
To register via our new and improved online registration just click on the link above. Additionally, conference details and updates are located on our website TransgenderLives.org. Contact us at conference@transgenderlives.org if you have any questions.

2011 Transgender Lives Conference

Saturday April 30, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT

Academic Building of the UConn Health Center

263 Farmington Avenue

Academic Building

Farmington, CT 06030

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=281 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=281 Public Hearing 3/21 on HB 6599 An Act Concerning Discrimination http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/qyJjHobc6N8/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=276#comments Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:22:17 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=276 The Judiciary Public Hearing for HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression will be Monday, March 21st, 2011 at 10 AM  in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building (details below).

Remember that as in the past there are many people testifying so please be sure to arrive early and sign up early for your testimony.   If you are planning on testifying that day or submitting written testimony in lieu of testifying in person, fell free to contact either Diana at diana@transadvocacy.com or Sally Tamarkin at stamarkin@cwealf.org,

Our opponents, FIC, are already mobilizing for this day so we hope all of you can attend this Public Hearing to provide visible and vital support in favor of this legislation!! Equally important, we hope you can also submit written testimony in support of this legislation and if possible to present this testimony personally at the Public Hearing on Monday.  Each year we have had many people present their testimony some in writing and some in person, and this has been a very effective and important means of educating our legislators on why passage of this legislation is critical. However these are always long sessions and we cannot control the order of the speakers during the public section, so please be patient for your turn to testify during this important public hearing.

The following, from prior years, is the information from the CGA website concerning testimony for this public hearing.  Remember that it is your responsibility to sign up your name to testify if you desire to read your testimony in person.

The Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 21 2011 at 10: 00 A. M. in Room 2C of the LOB. Please submit 45 copies of written testimony to Committee staff at least two hours prior to the start of the hearing in Room 2500 of the LOB. Testimony submitted after the designated time may not be distributed until after the hearing. Sign-up for the hearing will begin at 8: 00 A. M. in Room 2500 of the LOB. Sign-up will conclude at 9: 30 A. M. Speaker order will be decided by a lottery system. Anyone wishing to testify after the drawing is closed will be placed at the end of the list. The first hour of the hearing is reserved for Constitutional Officers, State Agency Heads, Municipal Chief Elected Officials and Legislators. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes of testimony.

Visit our website TransAdvocacy.org in the top left hand side of page for details of this bill in prior years.  Also click here for stories presented in 2006 and 2007 in support of the Anti-Discrimination bill.

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=276 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=276 State Department Issues Amended Policy Guidelines on Passport Sex Marker Changes http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/nVEGMKIgupk/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=272#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 21:09:01 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=272 From NCTE and TLDEF

Information from NCTE:

The U.S. State Department has announced some small but important additional changes to its policy for updating gender on U.S. passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs). The changes make clear that any physician who has treated or evaluated a passport applicant may certify that he or she has had appropriate treatment for gender transition. The revised policy also clarifies language and procedures to ensure that individuals with intersex condition can obtain documents with the correct gender.

In June 2010, the Obama Administration announced a new policy for updating gender markers on passports and CRBAs. For the first time, the June policy enabled transgender people to a passport that reflects their current gender without providing details of specific medical or surgical procedures. Instead, applicants could provide certification from a physician that they had received “appropriate clinical treatment” for gender transition. This policy was the result of years of advocacy, and represented a significant advance in providing safe, humane and dignified treatment of transgender people.

The policy announced in June was a huge step forward, but it was not perfect. It contained rigid and unnecessary restrictions on which physicians could write supporting letters for applicants, and contained confusing provisions regarding people with intersex conditions. With input from NCTE and other organizations, the Department moved swiftly to clarify and improve the policy. The passport policy as it now stands represents a model that other federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, should move swiftly to adopt.

NCTE has prepared a revised resource that fully explains the new guidelines and outlines the ways in which transgender people can make changes to their passports and CRBAs. We are thankful for our colleagues at the Council for Global Equality, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Lesbian Rights for their wonderful collaborative work on this vital issue.

Additional resource information from TLDEF.

U.S. State Department today published amended policy guidelines for changing the sex marker on passports.  Please read our comprehensive web-based guide to the updated policy. We are also available to answer any questions that you may have. If you need additional assistance, please contact us.

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=272 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=272 TransAdvocacy secures its 501c(3) status… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/HTwJsvBokIw/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=268#comments Sun, 23 Jan 2011 22:06:42 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=268 Ct TransAdvocacy is now officially a 501c(3) for we received our determination letter from the IRS on the same day the ordinance was passed!  TransAdvocacy will now over the next six months be actively submitting grants (first one on 2/4/2011) to assist us in building our organizational infrastructure as well as achieving our primary goals as established by our Board late last year.  We will keep you abreast of our evolving 2011 goals and plans, as well as our grant seeking process.  Additionally, as the Transgender Lives Conference has become a significant event for TransAdvocacy and our communities, the 501c(3) is critical to ensure its continued growth and success.  Finally, we will also now be able to actively seek donations and undertake an annual appeal process

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=268 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=268 Hartford passes Ordinance to protect Gender Identity and Expression… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/nrGjiLOsiJM/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=262#comments Sun, 23 Jan 2011 22:03:41 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=262 The City of Hartford Court of Common passed an ordinance that now includes protection for Gender Identity or Expression within the non-discrimination sections of the City’s non-discrimination ordinance.  Seeking this City Ordinance change has been an important activity and goal for both the Hartford LGBT Issues Commission and TransAdvocacy over the past number of years.  With the recent change in City Administration this change was able to become a reality.  Many thanks to our Mayor for his support and most importantly to Council Member Luis Cotto and LGBT Issues Commissioners Regina Dyton and Cindy Dubuque. Please read the City press release below and stay tuned for our celebration at City Hall!  We are optimistic that a similar adminstration change at our State level will also bring a similar change to our State’s non-discrimination statutes in 2011.  Keep abreast of this progress and your important involvement, as the Legislative session unfolds, via both CtEquality and Ct TransAdvocacy!

City of Hartford Press Release below:

======

Luis E. Cotto, Court of the Common Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Brendan Mahoney
The Office of Minority Leader Luis E. Cotto
Mahob001@hartford.gov
860 757 9568

January 11, 2011 – Hartford Court of Common Council votes to protect the rights of transgender people.

Last night the Hartford Court of Common voted unanimously in favor of two ordinances which protect gender identity or expression from discrimination.  The Council’s action makes Hartford the first municipality in Connecticut to have anti-discrimination provisions on the basis of gender identity and expression. This ordinance adds gender identity or expression to race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, disability as classes protected from discrimination in City employment, employment with City contractors and housing. It also mandates that gender identity be incorporated into the City’s Affirmative Action Plan and also allows aggrieved individuals to seek redress with the City’s Office of Human Relations.

Regina Dyton, chairperson of the Hartford LGBT Commission was quoted as saying: “I appreciate the generations of work and organizing of the transgender community. The LGBT commission acknowledges and is immeasurably grateful for the hard work of those that came before us in making this ordinance possible.”

Cindy Dubuque, secretary of the LGBT Commission stated: “The passage of this ordinance is a great first step within the state of CT. Hartford has proven to be a leader on policy matters related to equality based on gender identity and gender expression. I hope that our state legislature will follow Hartford’s leadership.”

Jerimarie Liesegang of the CT TransAdvocacy Coalition expressed: “CT TransAdvocacy is pleased to have worked with the LGBT commission in its tireless efforts to secure passage of this important ordinance.  This ordinance will have a very positive impact on the Hartford transgender community and sends a strong message that Hartford embraces the diversity of its residents.”

###

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=262 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=262 Save the Date for the 2011 Transgender Lives Intersection of Health and Law Conference… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/9kUxU_4bepA/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=256#comments Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:26:31 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=256 The 2011 Transgender Lives Conference will be held on

Saturday, April 30th, 2011

UCONN Health Center

Farmington, CT

Visit our conference website at TransgenderLives.org for sponsorship applications, unfolding conference details, registration, workshop proposal submissions, prior year conference proceedings and much more!!!

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=256 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=256 Christian Group Boycotts Nickelodeon’s Degrassi Trans Character Adam Torres http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConnecticutTransadvocacyCoalition/~3/IJ3m8rgmdi8/ http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=243#comments Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:16:38 +0000 admin http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=243 The Florida Family Association is calling for an advertiser boycott of Nickelodeon’s Teen Nick channel over a transgender character on its show, Degrassi: The Next Generation.The anti-gay group is falsely claiming to have already forced Kodak, the show’s prime sponsor, to pull out. Of course this was immediately denied by Kodak.  Not to mention that the fools over at the FFA seem to ignore (or totally oblivious) to the fact that Kodak has had a long and inclusive history when it comes to trans folks!  As Kodak’s website notes: Kodak has achieved a significant milestone by creating a safe environment for our Transgender employees. Transgender employees have been visible in our work community for at least the last 60 years from areas around the world. And in addition, Kodak Worldwide Benefits has updated health plan coverage to include procedures, services, and supplies for sex transformation (gender reassignment).

Enjoy this fabulous You Tube clip of Adam with Beyoncé’s beautiful song “If I were a Boy”

Some trivia on Nickelodeon’s Degrassi Character Adam

  • Adam is the first transgender character to be featured on Degrassi.
  • Adam is the first scripted transgeder teen character in television history (not including documentaries or one-time guest roles).
  • Adam is an FTM (Female to Male) transgender.
  • Adam’s birth name is Grace “Gracie” Torres.The original birthname was planned to be Chelsea.
  • Adam is one of three characters who caused self-harm to themselves. Others include Ellie Nash and Darcy Edwards, who both cut themselves.
  • Adam’s grandmother doesn’t know that he’s transgender.
  • It’s been speculated that Drew is Audra’s biological son and Adam is Omar’s biological son (daughter) because it’s been revealed that he was born with the name Grace Torres, meaning he took his father’s name. Also, in the episode My Body is a Cage, it was revealed that Drew and Adam (Grace) got along well as kids before Audra and Omar got married.

It should also be noted that there have been, understandably, critiques from sectors of the trans community that a trans person was not hired to play this role.

]]> http://www.transadvocacy.org/?feed=rss2&p=243 0 http://www.transadvocacy.org/?p=243