Lambda Legal Calls for Action During Transgender Awareness Week

“Remembering is not enough. We will keep working for equality.”

(New York, November 13, 2009) —In recognition of Transgender Awareness Week, November 15-21, ending on Friday, November 20 with the Transgender Day of Remembrance, Lambda Legal issued the following statement by Executive Director Kevin Cathcart:

“In all the work we do at Lambda Legal, we are fighting for a basic principle: everyone has the right to be true to their sexuality, gender identity and gender expression and to live, work and love with dignity and equality. This is a core American value. Yet transgender people in this country too often face harassment, discrimination and physical violence. This is unacceptable and must end.  

“We are proud to represent Vandy Beth Glenn, a transgender woman who was fired from her job as a legislative editor by the Georgia General Assembly simply for being true to who she is. This fall she testified before Congress, urging members to enact the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) so that others will not be fired or face discrimination in employment based on their gender identity and expression or sexual orientation.

“We are moving forward: Just last month, a new hate crimes law was enacted that, for the first time in our history, includes explicit federal protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.  Now Congress must act and pass an equally inclusive ENDA. Lambda Legal is asking our members and friends to call their representatives in Congress on Tuesday, Nov. 17 to urge them to work for passage of ENDA.

“During this week, we remember those transgender people who have been harmed by hate and discrimination, and we remember those who have been killed. But remembering is not enough. We will keep working for equality.”