By Charin Davenport
If you are a transgender resident of Michigan, if you are a friend of the transgender community, if someone in your family is a transgender person or if you believe all residents of our state, including gay and transgender people, deserve the same rights – you need to know that those of us who are transgender in Michigan are, at this moment, in a fight for our lives. Proposed amendments to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act would prevent discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. That is a good thing.
Studies show that most Michiganders believe everyone should be treated fairly and equally, but at the same time, an astonishing number of people think transgender people are already protected from discrimination by existing laws. Yet, this is not the case; it is still legal in Michigan to deny a transgender person employment, access to public facilities or housing simply because that person is transgender. As a result of such discrimination, transgender people experience extremely high rates of unemployment, homelessness, poverty and suicide, despite having high levels of education and a clear willingness to serve our communities. (For instance, transgender people are twice as likely to have served in the Armed Forces.) These facts simply cannot be reconciled with the notion that we are already protected. It just is not true.
Some people argue that a partial victory, one which protects only lesbian, gay and bi-affectionate people, is enough of a victory "for now," even if it means leaving transgender Michiganders stranded at the side of the road. Those who would take out gender identity lack an understanding of what it means to be transgender or to encounter discrimination in all aspects of their lives. This view also sits in stark contrast to the best practices in many other states and throughout the business community that view broad protections for people of diverse gender identities, sexual orientation and gender expressions as essential to retaining a skilled workforce and building a prosperous economy that benefits us all. Ample evidence from many other states reveals that it is all but impossible to "come back" and fix a shortsighted law after it is passed – this would hold all of us back. But to the transgender community, our LGB brothers and sisters and our supporters, I have this to say: you must stay positive. You have powerful stories to tell, and there are ways you can tell them.
First: On Nov. 4, you must vote. If you are a transgender person and worried about going to the polls because of issues with your photo ID, then vote early by mail with an absentee ballot. But make sure you vote! No excuses.
Second: Talk to your local business leaders and urge them to advocate for updating the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect all LGBT people. From the start, this amendment has been about a strong and unified Michigan working together toward economic prosperity for all Michiganders. Remind business leaders of our contributions and our voices.
Third: Write your state legislators, city councils, county commissions and local newspapers and tell them the transgender community is fighting for fair housing practices, health insurance that addresses our health needs, access to health care, employment rights, equal rights on the job, equal access to a good education, safe schools, an end to unwarranted police scrutiny and harassment, the right to be with our children, access to public accommodations, fair and equal representation as taxpaying citizens … we have been giving back to Michigan communities for many years, and we need the safety and protection to keep giving back, right here, in the state we love.
