TTPC

As we celebrate the annual Holiday season, the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition  reminds all that the fight for equal rights for all LGBT people is an ongoing one.  Transgender people have made significant strides in 2011, especially in Nashville, with the adoption of a non discimination law covering local government contractors, but discrimination still pervades our society.

The Employment Non Discrimination Act did not come up for a vote in Congress, and any transgender person who wishes to serve the country in the military continues to face immediate discharge if they come out of the closet.

At state level, transgender people still face indifference from law enforcement officials, and there is still not a fully inclusive Hate Crimes law in Tennessee, nor do transgender people born in Tennessee have the right to change their birth certificates.

We are also part of a large coalition of advocacy groups opposing the new Voter Suppression Act, which could effectively disfranchise transgender voters across the state.  If you have not already signed our petition, we hope you will do so at http://www.ProtectTheVoteTN.org.

These challenges should remind us all just how much we have to do to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are able to enjoy the same rights and privileges of our fellow citizens.

That is why we hope you will share with all of your elected officials and local policy makers the National Transgender Discrimination Survey that was released earlier this year by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition will continue to fight for the rights of transgender people in Tennessee, and we look forward to engaging all of you in 2012.

Regardless of which holiday you may celebrate, may your season be safe and joyous.