Introduction to Trans* Issues Andrew & Ariel

Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth. Cisgender: A person whose gender identity matches their assigned sex at birth. Definitions

Negative attitudes or feelings towards trans* people, based on the expression of their gender identity. Transphobia

17 states + DC have trans* inclusive laws 33 states do not ENDA (approved by senate, not voted on by house) is trans* inclusive Non-discrimination Laws by State

Does not cover sexual orientation or gender identity: o Hate crime laws o Employment non-discrimination laws o Housing non-discrimination laws SB300 and HB300 would provide trans* inclusive housing and employment protection in PA o In committee as of 8/2013 Legal Protections in Pennsylvania

Trans* inclusive non-discrimination laws for: o Employment o Housing o Public accommodations Gender neutral bathrooms (Ordinance, 5/13) Legal Protections in Philadelphia

Poverty o 15% of trans* people live in poverty o 25% of homeless youth are trans* Lack of Medical Care o 28% postpone care due to fear of discrimination o 41% are unable to pay for medical care o 50% of trans* people have to educate their providers about trans* healthcare o Over 20% have been denied healthcare o 2.6% have HIV, compared to 0.6% US average Impact of Discrimination

Emotional impact o 62% have experienced depression o 41% have attempted suicide o 26% report using drugs or alcohol to cope Harassment or Assault o 37% in retail stores o 35% in hotels and restaurants o 29% by police (6% report physical assault) o 25% in healthcare settings Impact of Discrimination

Violence against the LGBTQIA community is rising o Numbers increased ; 87% of murder victims were POC, 45% were trans women 26% of transgender Americans in a study had experienced physical assault 73.7% of trans* youth reported being sexually harassed during the previous school year Violence Against Trans* People

Nizah Morris (2002) Alexis King (2006) Erika Keels (2007) Stacey Blahnik Lee (2010) Kyra Cordova (2012) Diamond Williams (2013) Transphobic Violence in Philadelphia

November 20th Begun in 1998 to memorialize Rita Hester Memorializes those who have been killed in acts of transphobic violence Raises awareness of the problem of violence towards trans* people Transgender Day of Remembrance

Words to avoid: Tranny Shemale, he-she, “it” Pre/ post/ no-op Passing How To Be an Ally

Questions to Avoid: “Do you have (insert genitalia here)?” “What’s your REAL name?” “Are you really a man/woman?” “Are you going to get ‘the surgery’?” “How do you have sex?” How To Be an Ally Question you may ask: “What are your preferred pronouns/ name?”

Questions?