Gender Identity Bill Goes to Gov in Vermont

Well, after several years of work and the blow of a governor’s veto last year, it looks like today is the day that the Vermont legislature approved the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Bill and the governor told the press that he intends to sign it.

I am not a legislative activist in general, and see a lot of my work coming into play after laws like this are passed and people in positions of providing services and other “public accommodations” try to figure out what changes or adjustments they need to make to comply with the new law. In other words, how can they change what they do to no longer blatantly discriminate against trans or gender non-conforming people. I have not been wanting for work in my home state, but now there will be an influx of demand and need for sure.

Congrats to the legislative activists who have been tirelessly working on this. Thank you.

 

University of Illinois

I’m just on my way home from a 4 day visit at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where I led 9 different trainings sessions for Student Affairs staff. It was the first time I’ve been someplace that had gender identity protection at every level: the city I was in (both Champaign and Urbana), the state I was in (Illinois), and the university itself. It was pretty impressive to feel so “protected” even if, as is often the case, many of the people who are responsible to safe-guarding students or citizens from discrimination don’t really understand the policy or the rights it protects. I did have to hustle quite a bit to get all those trainings in and I am grateful to the organizers: the LGBT Resouce Center and leadership at the campus health center and counseling center.

 

Another early morning at the airport

It seems like the best time for me to post is when I’m waiting for a plane in Burlington. Sadly, I didn’t post a damn thing from the FORGE conference. Yesterday I presented to the Sexual Investigations Unit of my local police department. On the way back from Forge, I sat next to ST, a sargeant in the SFPD who was the first to transition on the San Francisco force in the 1990s. He still trains at the academy regularly and it was such a great half hour. Really helped shape my presentation for the folks yesterday. It was a great piece of work, I really felt like I had a great impact on crime victims here–helping the investigators understand the unique risks trans people have, how marginalization and suspicions lead to increased criminalization and fear of authorities when victimized. They really got it. Thanks to Vermont Diversity Health Project and Safe Space, the two local projects that helped make it happen.

Now I’m off to the Trans Health Conf in Phily and hey, they’re calling my flight.

 

Jesus Loves Us All

This wonderful letter appeared in the local Burlington Free Press a few days ago. We are working on getting a Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Bill passed here in Vermont. Last year the Governor vetoed it and the backlash was really intense, making for more publicity in support of the bill than we had all year before the veto. This year, things are looking good. The Senate voted 27-1 in favor.

Here’s the letter from a minister in Hinesbug:
Letter to the Editor: Jesus loves unconditionally

Published: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I almost never turn immediately from the front page teaser to the page 8 follow up. I did on March 2. I couldn’t wait to find out what Jesus would say or do in response to Steve Stanton’s request to have a sex change operation and keep his job as city manager in Largo, Fla.

I have dedicated the past 32 years to Christian ministry in a variety of places. I am currently pastor of the United Church of Hinesburg. I completely disagree with Pastor Saunders of Largo’s Lighthouse Baptist.

The Jesus who loves me unconditionally also loves Steve or Susan Stanton, with or without surgery. God’s work is about compassionate justice, not hateful discrimination. The transgendered persons of Vermont deserve full and equal protection by law so we can avoid such an injustice here.
William R. Neil
Hinesburg

 

First destination: Forge Foward

I’m off today to Milwaukee for the FORGE Forward conference. It is the first ever focused conference in the midwest on trans and SOFFA (Significant Other, Friends, Family and Allies) issues. We’re off to a slow start: our flight to Chicago got cancelled, so we are waiting several hours while still in Vermont. Luckily, our airport here has free Wi-Fi, which makes it possible to be productive while waiting for a plane. Something I am not that good at. So thanks BTV for the free wi-fi!

 

Welcome!

I so enjoyed blogging for the LGBTI Health Summit that I am going to try to blog regularly around issues related to my work with Transgender Training and Advocacy. It feels like a great way to communicate with workshop participants, other trainers and activists.