LGBT Standing United: Becoming More Inclusive

I was a panelist today at an event hosted by Old Dominion University sponsored by Equlity Virginia with the assistance of several local LGBT organizations, including HRBOR. The focus of the event was issues in the transgender community and some of the workshop topics covered both health and legal/employment law issues faced by the transgender community in Virginia. My contribution was a hand out that summarizes the current laws in Virginia relative to employment non-discrimination. Sadly, Virginia is a state where there are few employment non-discrimination protections within the larger LGBT community, much less transitioning individuals going through gender reassignment. It was an interesting and enlightening event and Equality Virginia plans to have similar events in other areas of the state.

One of the goals is to avoid a split between the "LGB" and "T" factions of the LGBT community that have errupted over ENDA. There are many positive aspects to including gender identy or gender expression to non-discrimination legislation which would further protects LGB individuals. The big issue is that of what is realistically possible in terms of getting the legislation passed into law. We definitely need to maintain a unified front to the maximum extent possible to better the situation of all LGBT citizens.

Financial and in-kind sponsors of the event included: Hampton Roads Business Outreach, Hampton Roads Pride, New Life MCC Of Hampton Roads, ODU Multicultural Student Services, ODU Women’s Center, Tidewater Aids Community Taskforce, Trans Rights Of Virginia.