Trans Kids Go To Austin With Equality Texas To Fight GOP Transphobia

Texas trans kids and their parents head to our state capitol in Austin to put a face on the kids our Republican leaders want to demonize and discriminate against for their own political gain.

Gov. Greg Abbott, L. Governor Dan Patrick and our indicted Attorney General Ken Paxton are pushing another doomed to failure lawsuit against the federal government in response to the Obama Administration issuing guidelines on May 13 that the human rights of all trans students be respected.

Equality Texas today went to our state capitol with parents of trans children to talk about their lives and urge our GOP controlled government to cease and desist from the discriminatory anti-trans course they seem hellbent on engaging in when the legislature kicks off its 85th session in January.

“It is the responsibility of all of us to educate ourselves so these false attacks can be exposed for what they are, a solution where there is no problem in order to perpetuate discrimination against LGBT Texans,” said Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas.  “Lt Governor Patrick appeals to the worst chapters of our history, in which discrimination runs rampant and understanding and compassion are absent.  Transgender students, like transgender adults, don’t want to cause any problems.  They simply want to use the bathroom when the need arises.  The lt. governor’s proposal would cause Texas to put billions of dollars of federal school funding at risk and threaten the Texas economy.”

It's past time to also acknowledge this is not just about bathrooms, this is a human rights fight. This about the Texas Republican Party wanting to whip up hatred of transgender Texans to keep their political based riled up and voting for them.

This is also all about the Texas Republican Party despicably wanting to distract the media and their voters from examining the piss poor job of governance they have done while in control of the governor's mansion and the state legislature.

Jessica Shuts Down A Transphobic Bigot

This happened on a March episode of CNN's  Dr Drew, but take notes peeps.   This is how you blow up and shut down transphobic bigotry.  None of that 'acknowledge the fear' bullshyt we tried and failed to defend HERO with, it's time to gut punch these fake faith based idiots and make them engage in sputtering defenses of their transphobia.

The best way to shut them down is to interrupt their ability to spout their well rehearsed talking points.  Gotta throw them out of their comfort zone, and having to try to spin anti-trans lies in front of a person your unjust policy negatively affects and is calling you and your org out about it is nerve wracking for them.  

Jessica Taylor does a fantastic job of it here.  I' m looking forward to the day when I get and other non white trans people get our opportunity to do so because it's just a matter of time before I right wing enemies deploy the kneegrow sellout pastors and we are the best equipped people to take them on.

But enjoy Jessica taking on the FRC's Peter Sprigg.

 

Lambda Legal Statement On Texas Anti-Trans Lawsuit

The statement from Lambda Legal concerning the unjust lawsuit filed by Texas and 10 other states over the Obama Administration guidelines reminding them that federal law protects transgender students.

***

Today, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that Texas and other states and officials have filed a lawsuit challenging the Obama Administration’s recently released guidance to schools across the country clarifying that federal law already prohibits discrimination against students based on gender identity. Paul D. Castillo, Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal’s South Central Regional Office in Dallas, issued the following statement:

 “By attacking laws that protect transgender people in schools and at work these state officials are determined to perpetuate fear, enshrine discrimination and endanger transgender people—and  students in particular. The suit filed today by Texas Attorney General Paxton completely and willfully misunderstands who transgender people are and the challenges they face in life. We are already in discussions with our partners here in Texas and elsewhere on next steps, and will move quickly to fight this attempt to turn back the clock. It is as true today as it has always been in the fight for civil rights: the discomfort of some can never be used to justify the discriminatory treatment of others.

“Across the country, including here in Texas, school districts have implemented without incident fair and inclusive policies that respect the rights and dignity of transgender students. In fact, accompanying the federal guidance issued two weeks ago was abundant documentation from school districts nationwide demonstrating successful implementation of these policies and the improved outcomes such respectful policies produce for all.

“Singling out transgender students for separate and unequal treatment is demeaning and harmful, and compelling them to use bathrooms that don’t correspond with their gender identity subjects them to potential abuse and harassment. All students deserve the opportunity to learn and thrive in school, free of harassment, discriminatory treatment and the threat of violence.”

***

Texas GOP Files Lawsuit Against Trans Student Directive

There are many times when I'm traveling around the country to various conferences and conventions repping my hometown and home state, I get people who have a reflexive hatred of the Lone Star State asking me and other Texans why we want to live here.

My reply back is, "Because I want my home state of Texas to have the same first class human rights as you do in this so-called blue liberal-progressive oasis."

The other standard reply is, ' Love my state, hate my GOP government messing it up."

Today I was not surprised to see the Texas Republican Party continue down the destructive path of demonizing the humanity of trans Texans by filing a federal lawsuit along with 10 other states over the recent DOE/DOJ directive on how to treat transgender students.

I can always count on the Texas GOP and my governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general to stand tall for injustice and oppression  

Damn, can we get one day in the Lone Star State in which some Texas Republican isn't saying something idiotic, bigoted, homophobic, transphobic or racist?

Can I also have one day in which a Texas Republican isn't standing in front of a microphone or a television camera gleefully showing off their desire to tap into their inner transphobe?.

Oppressing a group of Texans for your own nefarious political purposes once again shows the bankruptcy of conservatism and its ongoing historic pattern of opposing human rights for anyone that isn't a straight, white, heterosexual GOP voting male..

And yeah, Texas Republican Party, #TransTexansVotesMatter.   You'll find that out in 2016, 2018 and future elections..

Judging by the recent losing track record of Texas attorney generals in federal court lately, I'm confident that once again human rights common sense will prevail and we transgender Americans will come out the winners.
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KKK Joins World War T

If you needed any more convincing that trans human rights is the civil rights battle of our time, look no further than hearing the interesting news the trans community gained a new enemy in World War T.

Joining the Axis of Evil fighting our humanity that includes the Republican Party, the Southern Baptists, the Family Research Council, Alex Jones,  Paul McHugh, Fox Noise, NC Gov. Pat McCrory,  TX Lt Governor Dan Patrick, TX Gov Greg Abbott,  the TX Republican Party, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and the TERF's is believe it or not, the Ku Klux Klan.

If I forgot any haters, let me know.  I want to give them the full credit they deserve.   But back to the post..

According to a Raw Story report that quotes Dothan Eagle reporting by Matt Elofson, at least two homes in an east Dothan, AL neighborhood reported receiving fliers that supported North Carolina's unjust Hate Bill 2 while soliciting donations and recruits for The Loyal White Knights of the KKK.  A similar flier was reportedly distributed in midtown Mobile last week.

The flier went on to attack trans people as 'abominations' according to the King James Bible, misquoted Deuteronomy 22:5, and peddled the lie that their (white) women and children's safety is endangered by trans people pooping and peeing in public bathrooms.  The transphobic hate flier also lists a website and phone number that you can call for info and to make donations to that Klan group.

Got three words for you Klan Klowns:  Matthew 19:12

Dothan Police Department Chief Steve Parrish confirmed the DPD had received the reports on Monday, and they were being investigated by the DPD's Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

'What you're dealing with is potentially implications of a hate crime or promotion of a hate crime, so we notified the FBI, " Parrish said.

Capt Will Benny, the commander of the CID, stated the flier appeared to be a recruitment flier.  "It appears to be against transgender (people) and transgender bathrooms, and it was basically a recruitment flier."

DPD Capt, Stacy Robinson said that the fliers were forwarded to the FBI as a precautionary measure.

"Obviously any time you get hate related material there's a reason to be cautious and investigate it," said Robinson.

It also points out something I've been warning about for months now in terms of the media letting unchecked anti-trans hate speech go unchallenged, or dismissing it for ratings purposes as if it were a legitimate difference of opinion argument.

It isn't, and now that anti-trans hate speech is now  manifesting itself into anti-trans hatred, and leading to harassment and attacks on trans and cisgender women   But with America's long time hatemongers in the KKK joining the anti-trans hate chorus, it helps point out that HB2, the anti-trans hate speech, and the bathroom crap being peddled is a Jim Crow remix.

It also points out my trans siblings and allies, that we are on the morally correct side of this human rights argument..  The Klan jumping into World War T and attacking the humanity of transpeople is irrefutable evidence of that..

DC Security Guard Charged With Assault After Playing Potty Police

I've been expressing my concerns that all this negative anti-trans hatred being put in the atmosphere by the Republican Party and the conservafool movement would eventually start having negative consequences for cis and trans women.

Yesterday that played out in Washington DC when a security guard took it upon herself to play potty police and forced trans woman Ebony Belcher out of the restroom of a Giant Foods store in NE DC.

The 32 year old Belcher was at the store on 3rd and H Streets to pick up a Western Union delivery with a friend and asked a store employee to point her to the restroom.  She passed the security guard while en route to it, and said the security guard entered the restroom making derogatory comments while telling her to get out.

The security officer then grabbed her by the shoulder and arm and shoved her out of the store.. Belcher alleges the guard said, "You guys cannot keep coming in here to use our women's restroom.  They did not pass the law yet."

Wrong, boo boo kitty. The human rights of trans people in the District of Columbia have been covered and protected under the DC Human Rights Law since 2006.

Giant has issued a press statement:

"As this matter involves a third party that provides security services for Giant and there's an ongoing criminal investigation, all inquiries related to the incident at the H Street Giant should be directed to the local police for a comment at this time."

The unidentified guard in question was arrested and charged with simple assault.  We'll see how this plays out in court..  

TransGriot Update:  The security guard busted for her transphobic crime is 45 year old Francine Bernice Jones according to a Washington Blade report by Lou Chibbaro,Jr.  After spending the night in jail was released by Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on personal recognizance pending a July 21 status hearing. 

Canadian Liberal Party Trans Rights Bill Introduced

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have said in a recent interviews that today would be a big day for the Canadian trans community, and they weren't kidding.

Not to be outdone by the NDP, who have been pushing trans rights legislation since 2004 and already have a private members bill filed in this session of Parliament, the Liberal majority in the Canadian House of Commons led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has decided to give the Canadian trans community a gift on the IDAHOT and table the government's 'trans rights bill.

This morning in Ottawa, the Justice Minister announced the introduction of Bill C-16, The Trans Rights Act, which is federal legislation that if passed, would ensure legal and civil rights protection across Canada for transgender Canadians.

'I'm proud to say that moments ago, I introduced legislation, C-16, that would ensure that Canadians will be free to express their gender as they wish while being protected against discrimination and hate because as Canadians, we should feel free and safe to be ourselves," said Justice Minister Wilson-Raybould.

"Diversity and inclusion have long been among the values that Canadians embrace, and Canadians expect their government to reflect those values," added the Justice Minister.

Prime Minister Trudeau said about the tabling of C-16, "Today is about ensuring that all people — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity — feel safe and secure, and empowered to freely express themselves," .

"There remains much to be done, though," Trudeau said adding, "Far too many people still face harassment, discrimination and violence for being who they are." 

"This is unacceptable," the prime minister added

My Canadian trans siblings across their home and native land cheered today's announcement.  Longtime Alberta based trans advocate Mercedes Allen said in an e-mail message to me, "One of the most significant things about the bill, though, is that it does send a nationwide signal that trans* people need to be accommodated in everyday life." 

Ontario based advocate Michelle Boyce had this to say about today's announcement and its impact on trans Canadians.

"Although Gender Identity is already fully protected by the Canadian Human Rights Act under the ground of "Sex", implicit inclusion of Gender Identity and Expression makes a clear visible addition to the protected grounds. Inclusion under the Canadian Criminal Code allows for protection of Gender Diverse people from hate motivated crimes, "said Boyce . 

NDP MP Randall Garrison is the party's critic for LGBT issues, and has been trying to get a trans rights law passed multiple times. He has gotten two of his private member's bills through the House of Commons only to have the Harper's Conservative  government undermine it after its House passage in the Canadian Senate.

MP Garrison tabled C-204 in December in his latest attempt at a private member's bill that will once again attempt to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code to add gender identity and expression to it.

It's hoped that with the Liberals running things in Canada now, that C-16 will pass by this summer, but with the Conservatives holding a majority in the Canadian senate, we'll see.

Jillian Weiss Appearing Again On CNN Legal View

I guess CNN loves Dr. Jillian Weiss as much as I and the trans community does.

After her May 9 appearance on Legal View With Ashleigh Banfield to discuss the legal issues surrounding HB 2, Dr Weiss will be back on CNN again at 12 noon EDT/11 AM CDT to discuss not only HB 2, but the recent declaration by the DOJ that they will do everything possible to protect trans people and today's Department of Education decree..

Should be an interesting and informative discussion from one of our community's wonderful attorneys.  If you want to hear how this affect us trans folks legally from someone who has tried and won trans civil rights cases, then you need to tune in if possible..  

Once CNN posts the video from this latest conversation, I'll post it on the blog.,

Department Of Education Issues Decree Protecting Transgender Students

It's been a great week for the American trans community thanks to the attorney general's declaration that they and the Obama Administration will do everything possible to protect trans Americans going forward, and we have even more evidence of this morning.

The Department of Education this morning is issuing a directive in a letter signed by officials from the Department of Education and the Department of Justice's Vanita Gupta  that states all public schools across the nation must be allowed to use restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity.

The letter will also state that under federal law a school's obligation to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of sex requires schools to provide transgender students equal access to educational programs and activities even in circumstances in which other students, parents or community members raise objections or concerns..

'As is consistently recognized in civil rights cases, the desire to accommodate others discomfort cannot justify  a policy that singles out and disadvantages a particular class of students.'

“No student should ever have to go through the experience of feeling unwelcome at school or on a college campus,” said Secretary of Education  John B. King Jr.in a statement. “We must ensure that our young people know that whoever they are or wherever they come from, they have the opportunity to get a great education in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence.”

the decree does not have the force of law, but schools that continue to discriminate against transgender students may face loss of federal funding.

Massachusetts Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Trans Protections Bill

You longtime TransGriot readers know I've been extremely critical about Massachusetts passing a public accommodations free trans rights bill in November 2011 that I considered problematic.

The words I used to describe its passage at the time was 'moldy civil rights bread.'

It's now five years later, and the Massachusetts State Senate finally got to trans human rights business and passed SB 735, which adds explicit public accommodations protections for trans residents of Massachusetts including parks, restaurants, hospitals and public restrooms..  

The bill passed on a lopsided 33-4 vote in the Democratically controlled Senate and now moves to the Democratically controlled  Massachusetts House.

"It is our responsibility to advance these provisions when there is clearly evidence that transgender people can and are being discriminated against,"said Senate President Stanley Rosenberg in a BuzzFeed News interview before the vote..

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R) after a contentious April 13 meeting, so far has indicated after hemming and hawing for a while that he won't veto it if it hits his desk. .

GENDA Overwhelmingly Passes NY Assembly For Ninth Consecutive Time!

In the wake of the historic press conference in which Attorney General Loretta Lynch and head of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta countersued the state of North Carolina for the unjust HB 2,  in New York State they were celebrating the announcement that the Gender Expression Non Discrimination Act (GENDA) has passed the New York State Assembly for the ninth consecutive time.

GENDA if passed would protect New Yorkers from discrimination based on their gender identity or expression in employment, housing and education..

Once again, the vote wasn't close in the Democratically controlled New York State Assembly, in which they hold a 103-47 supermajority,.  GENDA (A-4558b/S-0061b) passed on a 81-46 vote.

"This legislation represents the Assembly's continues commitment to protecting all New Yorkers from discriminatory practices," said NY Assembly Speaker Carl Hastie.  "It is unconscionable that neither the federal or state government have declared discrimination against transgender individuals illegal.  This bill addresses that injustice."

'Transgender rights are human rights," said Chairman Richard Gottfried, sponsor of the bill. "it's an embarrassment to New Yorkers that 18 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws barring discrimination on the basis of gender identity, while GENDA can't even get a vote in our State Senate.  While North Carolina and other states try to roll back progress by attacking transgender rights, New York should stand up for common sense, fairness and justice,"  

But the problem for GENDA has consistently been since 2007 that the bill has gone to the Republican controlled New York Senate, and hasn't even gotten a floor vote because it keeps getting killed in committee..

Hopeful this will finally be the year in which Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) uses some of that political capital and his bully pulpit to get it done like he did on gay marriage.

It is now in the New York Senate's Investigations and Government Operations Committee.  The entire nation will be watching to see if this will be the year that GENDA actually gets out of committee and gets and up or down vote in the GOP controlled  Senate.

Vanita Gupta's Remarks On The NC HB 2 Federal Countersuit

After US Attorney General Loretta Lynch made her eloquent remarks body slamming HB 2 and telling the trans community the DOJ and the Obama Administration had their backs, Vanita Gupta, the head of the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ spoke.

And yes, Trans World, her remarks deserve just as much attention as AG Lynch, since it's discussing and explaining the basis for the upcoming lawsuit.

So here's Gupta's May 9 remarks concerning the lawsuit filed by the DOJ against the state of North Carolina, Gov Pat McCrory, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina against the unjust HB 2.. .

***

Thank you, Attorney General [Loretta E.] Lynch, for those powerful words.  Throughout the arc of our country’s history – from tragedies of injustice to marches for equality – there have been pivotal moments when America’s leaders chose to stand up and speak out to safeguard the ideal of equal justice under law.  And history will record your inspiring words and our forceful action today as one of these moments. 

I also want to take a moment to thank the entire team throughout the Civil Rights Division and the Department of Justice, who have worked tirelessly over the last several weeks to ensure that everyone in North Carolina has the full protections of our laws.

Today, we filed a federal civil rights complaint in federal court in the Middle District of North Carolina.  Before I discuss the details of our legal argument, I want to make one thing clear.  Calling H.B. 2 a “bathroom bill” trivializes what this is really about.  H.B. 2 translates into discrimination in the real world.  The complaint we filed today speaks to public employees who feel afraid and stigmatized on the job.  It speaks to students who feel like their campus treats them differently because of who they are.  It speaks to sports fans who feel forced to choose between their gender identity and their identity as a Tar Heel.  And it speaks to all of us who have ever been made to feel inferior – like somehow we just don’t belong in our community, like somehow we just don’t fit in.  Let me reassure every transgender individual, right here in America, that you belong just as you are.  You are supported.  And you are protected.       

Our complaint brings legal claims under three different civil rights statutes.  Two of these statutes are long-standing protections against discrimination in the employment and education contexts: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  It is fitting that these statutes – which emerged from our nation’s long struggle to banish a legacy of legal discrimination – are now being used to defend, to uphold and to reaffirm the progress that resulted from that struggle; progress that represents America at its best, at its brightest and at its strongest.        

Title IX and Title VII prohibit discrimination based on sex.  The Department of Justice has for some time now made clear that sex discrimination includes discrimination against transgender people – that is, discrimination based on gender identity.  That is consistent not only with the language of the statutes, but also with the legal interpretations adopted by federal courts – including the appellate court with jurisdiction over the state of North Carolina.  There is nothing radical or even particularly unusual about the notion that the word “sex” includes the concept of “gender.”  Transgender people are discriminated against because their gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.  H.B. 2 denies transgender people something that all non-transgender people enjoy and take for granted: access to restrooms consistent with their gender identity.  That’s sex discrimination, plain and simple.  This view is only confirmed when proponents of measures like H.B. 2 misinterpret or make up facts about gender identity.  Here are the facts.  Transgender men are men – they live, work and study as men.  Transgender women are women – they live, work and study as women.

Our Title VII claim is brought against the state and governor of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina because of sex discrimination in employment.  Our Title IX claim is brought against the University of North Carolina because of sex discrimination in its education programs.

We also bring a claim under the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, a more recent statute specifically designed to prevent discrimination against transgender people by entities that accept certain federal funds.  As with Title IX, entities that accepted federal funds under VAWA – including UNC and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety – pledged that they would not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender identity.  Our complaint seeks to enforce that pledge and hold those entities accountable for the discrimination required by H.B. 2.

Even as we seek that compliance, we remain committed to working with any agency receiving federal funding to develop a plan to ensure their compliance with federal law.

For the reasons I just highlighted, H.B. 2 violates the law.  But H.B. 2 also threatens the values that define us as a people.  These values are timeless.  These values say to all people that you can be who you are, and you deserve to live with dignity.

The complaint filed today seeks to enforce these laws and protect these values.  At this time, the Attorney General and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

***

AG Loretta Lynch Drops The Legal Hammer On NC

"Let me also speak directly to the transgender community itself.  Some of you have lived freely for decades.  Others of you are still wondering how you can possibly live the lives you were born to lead.  But no matter how isolated or scared you may feel today, the Department of Justice and the entire Obama Administration wants you to know that  we see you; we stand with you; and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward.  Please know that history is on your side.  This country was founded on a promise of equal rights for all, and we have always managed to move closer to that promise, little by little, one day at a time.  It may not be easy – but we’ll get there together. "
--US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, May 9, 2016

In response to North Carolina filing a federal lawsuit today to defend their unjust Hate Bill 2 and Gov. Wallace Pat McCrory's laughable claim they are being 'bullied' by the federal government, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch dropped the legal hammer on North Carolina by counter-suing them and emphatically making it clear that the DOJ and the Obama Administration stood with the transgender community in this human rights fight. it.

Here's the link to the full text of the original remarks as prepared for delivery and the video..

***

Good afternoon and thank you all for being here.  Today, I’m joined by [Vanita] Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice.  We are here to announce a significant law enforcement action regarding North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, also known as House Bill 2.  

The North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 2 in special session on March 23 of this year.  The bill sought to strike down an anti-discrimination provision in a recently-passed Charlotte, North Carolina, ordinance, as well as to require transgender people in public agencies to use the bathrooms consistent with their sex as noted at birth, rather than the bathrooms that fit their gender identity.  The bill was signed into law that same day.  In so doing, the legislature and the governor placed North Carolina in direct opposition to federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity.  More to the point, they created state-sponsored discrimination against transgender individuals, who simply seek to engage in the most private of functions in a place of safety and security – a right taken for granted by most of us.  

Last week, our Civil Rights Division notified state officials that House Bill 2 violates federal civil rights laws.  We asked that they certify by the end of the day today that they would not comply with or implement House Bill 2’s restriction on restroom access.  An extension was requested by North Carolina and was under active consideration.  But instead of replying to our offer or providing a certification, this morning, the state of North Carolina and its governor chose to respond by suing the Department of Justice.  As a result of their decisions, we are now moving forward. 

Today, we are filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the state of North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina.  We are seeking a court order declaring House Bill 2’s restroom restriction impermissibly discriminatory, as well as a statewide bar on its enforcement.  While the lawsuit currently seeks declaratory relief, I want to note that we retain the option of curtailing federal funding to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina as this case proceeds.

This action is about a great deal more than just bathrooms.  This is about the dignity and respect we accord our fellow citizens and the laws that we, as a people and as a country, have enacted to protect them – indeed, to protect all of us.  And it’s about the founding ideals that have led this country – haltingly but inexorably – in the direction of fairness, inclusion and equality for all Americans.

This is not the first time that we have seen discriminatory responses to historic moments of progress for our nation.  We saw it in the Jim Crow laws that followed the Emancipation Proclamation.  We saw it in fierce and widespread resistance to Brown v. Board of Education.  And we saw it in the proliferation of state bans on same-sex unions intended to stifle any hope that gay and lesbian Americans might one day be afforded the right to marry.  That right, of course, is now recognized as a guarantee embedded in our Constitution, and in the wake of that historic triumph, we have seen bill after bill in state after state taking aim at the LGBT community.  Some of these responses reflect a recognizably human fear of the unknown, and a discomfort with the uncertainty of change.  But this is not a time to act out of fear.  This is a time to summon our national virtues of inclusivity, diversity, compassion and open-mindedness.  What we must not do – what we must never do – is turn on our neighbors, our family members, our fellow Americans, for something they cannot control, and deny what makes them human.  This is why none of us can stand by when a state enters the business of legislating identity and insists that a person pretend to be something they are not, or invents a problem that doesn’t exist as a pretext for discrimination and harassment.

Let me speak now to the people of the great state, the beautiful state, my state of North Carolina.  You’ve been told that this law protects vulnerable populations from harm – but that just is not the case.  Instead, what this law does is inflict further indignity on a population that has already suffered far more than its fair share.  This law provides no benefit to society – all it does is harm innocent Americans. 

Instead of turning away from our neighbors, our friends, our colleagues, let us instead learn from our history and avoid repeating the mistakes of our past.  Let us reflect on the obvious but often neglected lesson that state-sanctioned discrimination never looks good in hindsight.  It was not so very long ago that states, including North Carolina, had signs above restrooms, water fountains and on public accommodations keeping people out based upon a distinction without a difference.  We have moved beyond those dark days, but not without pain and suffering and an ongoing fight to keep moving forward.  Let us write a different story this time.  Let us not act out of fear and misunderstanding, but out of the values of inclusion, diversity and regard for all that make our country great. 

Let me also speak directly to the transgender community itself.  Some of you have lived freely for decades.  Others of you are still wondering how you can possibly live the lives you were born to lead.  But no matter how isolated or scared you may feel today, the Department of Justice and the entire Obama Administration wants you to know that  we see you; we stand with you; and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward.  Please know that history is on your side.  This country was founded on a promise of equal rights for all, and we have always managed to move closer to that promise, little by little, one day at a time.  It may not be easy – but we’ll get there together. 

I want to thank my colleagues in the Civil Rights Division who have devoted many hours to this case so far, and who will devote many more to seeing it through.  At this time, I’d like to turn things over to Vanita Gupta, whose determined leadership on this and so many other issues has been essential to the Justice Department’s work.. 
***
Thank you Attorney General Lynch, the DOJ and the Obama Administration, which has once again proven they are the undisputed champs when it comes to advocating for trans human rights.

This is more concrete evidence of elections mattering and who you vote for being more important than ideological purity.  Do you actually think we would have gotten this type of unequivocal defense of our humanity and human rights from a Romney or Trump administration AG?

Hell no.  It's why voting for the Democratic presidential nominee, whoever she is and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot will be critical to continued progress on trans human rights issues.

Our Trans Kids At Times Are Leading Us Trans Elders

There is a Biblical scripture that states, "And a little child shall lead them.'.  That scripture has become reality repeatedly in my nearly two decades as a trans advocate.

We've witnessed more than a few times this year in Trans World the all hands on deck efforts to kill unjust anti-trans bills popping up all over the country being fearlessly led by our trans kids..

We all are aware of the amazing Jazz Jennings, who has been doing this trans advocacy work since she was the ripe old age of six and has an ever lengthening list of accomplishments and awards for the work she does as her parents and family ensure she has the space and time to just be a normal teenage kid.

Then there are trans kids like Capri Culpepper, Nicole Maines, and Gavin Grimm who were thrust unexpectedly in the national spotlight because they were forced to confront anti-trans bigotry aimed at them.  They fought back and filed with the help of their parents lawsuits that were ultimately successful in redressing the transphobic wrongs aimed at them.   Gavin Grimm's case against his VA school district is ongoing, but it may be the key in killing the odious Hate Bill 2 in North Carolina..

There are the trans kids who make news by making trans history or attempting to do so.  Becoming the first trans persons to become a homecoming king or queen at their schools in their various home states, playing sports, or simply being the first out trans students to graduate from their high schools.

There are the trans kids who become the faces of lobbying efforts to kill unjust anti-trans legislation like Kendra Heathscott was in South Dakota or efforts to pass trans inclusive administrative policies like Zeam Porter was in Minnesota...

In our fight to get people to realize that there is nothing wrong with being our trans selves, some of our best advocates to convey that message have been our trans kids.

Jazz now has help across the country from an amazing array of trans kids, trans teens and young trans adults who are emphatically pointing out that we exist, we aren't going away, and all they want are the same things that any kids cis or trans who are in their peer group want.

Trans kids just want to be able to live their lives to the best of their abilities, and make their dreams come true.. And it has been as a trans elder a beautiful thing to watch transpire..

The trans kids are gonna be more than alright.  They are in many cases not waiting for us to pass the leadership torch to them, they are stepping up to handle their leadership business themselves.

US 4th Circuit Court Of Appeals Rules In Favor Of Gavin Grimm!

In a closely watched case that will possibly have an effect on North Carolina's Hate Bill 2,  a federal appeals court ruled today that a policy barring Virginia trans masculine student Gavin Grimm from using the bathroom matching his current gender presentation at his high school is unconstitutional!

The three judge panel of the US 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, VA  overturned the Gloucester County School Board's unjust policy in a 2-1 decision.

US District Court Judge Robert G. Doumar  (Reagan appointee) last year had previously sided with the Gloucester County School Board in the GG vs Gloucester County Schools case, denying Grimm's sex discrimination claim because in his words, 'Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and not on the basis of other concepts such as gender, gender identity or sexual orientation."

The three judge panel said otherwise   Judges Henry Floyd and Andre Davis (Obama appointees) ruled in favor, judge Paul Niemeyer (GHW Bush appointee) was the dissenting judge.

'Because we conclude the district court did not accord appropriate deference to the relevant Department of Education regulations, we reverse its dismissal of G.G.'s Title IX claim. Because we conclude that the district court used the wrong evidentiary standard in assessing G.G.'s motion for a preliminary injunction, we vacate its denial and remand for consideration under the correct standard.  We therefore reverse in part, vacate in part, and remade the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.'  

The Justice Department filed a 'statement of interest' in this case declaring that failure to allow transgender students to use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity was sex discrimination. .

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling establishes legal precedent in every state in the circuit that includes, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina and North Carolina.

"I feel so relieved and vindicated by the court's ruling,' said Grimm in a statement released from the ACLU. "today's ruling gives me hope that my fight with help other kids avoid discriminatory treatment at school."

Stay tuned, because we trans folks may have just gotten another legal hammer to whack HB 2 with  

This case also emphatically points out that elections not only matter, the person sitting in the Oval Office selecting who goes onto these federal judicial benches matters, too.

Trans Oppressors Goddam

Well, it has been a while since I have done one of my infamous song rewrites.

In light of all the anti-trans legislation that is breaking out like kudzu across the South and in other GOP run states, I finally got the idea to remix the lyrics of Nina Simone's classic protest song to fit the 2K16 political situation we trans folks now are witnessing and finding ourselves in.

So y'all know the drill.  Fire up your fave music program and sing along with Moni's remixed lyrics




Trans Oppressors Goddam
Sung to the tune of Mississippi Godddam by Nina Simone

The name of this tune is Trans Oppressors Goddam
And I mean every word of it

North Carolina's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam

North Carolina's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam

Can't you see it
I know you can feel it
It's all in the air
I can't stand the trans oppression much longer
Somebody say a prayer

North Carolina's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam

This is a show tune
But the show hasn't been written for it, yet

Transphobic TERF assholes on my trail
Using the bathroom sends me to jail?
GOP impeding my human rights path
I think every day's gonna be my last

Lord have mercy on this land of mine
We all gonna get freedom in due time
We belong here
We belong there
Justice and trans acceptance is my prayer

Don't tell me
I tell you
Trans people's freedom is overdue
I've been in the trenches so I know
Our GOP trans oppressors say "Hell no!"

Trans people are people
"Hell no"
Pass trans rights laws
"Hell no"
Respect our humanity
"Hell no"
You're a predator 
"Hell no"
You're no lady
"Hell no"
Your thinking's crazy
"Hell no"
Where am I going
What am I doing
I don't know
I don't know

Trans folks do your very best
Stand up be counted with all the rest
Everybody knows the trans oppressors Goddam

If you thought I was kiddin'

We won HERO
Got deceptively voted out
GOP claimed it's Mayor Parker's plot
All I want is equality
For my sister my brother my people and me

GOP lost gay marriage after all these years
Now you firing up anti-trans fears
Trans men are men, trans women are ladies
Your unjust legislation is quite shady

The GOP trans oppressors are full of lies
But as you tell them a trans person dies
Sick of this conservative political show
As you say to trans people "Hell no!"
"Hell no!"

Trans kids transitioning?
"Hell no"
Public accommodation
"Hell no"
Trans education
"Hell no"
Bathroom defecation
"Hell no"
It's my body
"Hell no"
Trans people attacked politically
"Hell no"
Why don't you see it
Why don't you feel it
I don't know
I don't know

You don't have to love me GOP
Just give me my equality
Everybody knows about Mississippi
Everybody knows about  North Carolina
Everybody knows about  Trans Oppression Goddam

That's it!