Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Good Day for Transgender residents in Broward County, Florida
Equality Florida today reports on a vote taken by the Broward County commissioners:
Victory! Broward County Bans Gender Identity Based Discrimination
"This afternoon, Broward County became the tenth municipality in Florida to ban discrimination based on gender identity and expression to the Human Rights Ordinance. This is a huge victory for everyone in Broward County who values diversity and who values Fairness. Today Broward has once again sent a strong message that discrimination will not be tolerated."
The Sun-Sentinel also has a good article on the hearing and subsequent vote.
"Commissioners unanimously approved the amendment. It defines gender identity as the appearance, expression or behavior of a person regardless of the individual's sex at birth."
My friend, Tosca15, was at the hearing and related the following story to me:
"One of the most gripping was from a young woman who looked to be in her early 30's. She said she had four children. Her last, a little boy, started showing feminine tendencies at about 3 years old. When she would say, "good boy" to him, he would say, "no mommie, good girl." He was extremely girlie, played with Barbies, enjoyed wearing pink dresses, etc. At five years old he was diagnosed with gender identity disorder. She said rather than fight it, they encouraged him to be exactly who he was, which was a she. Now she is a beautiful well adjusted little girl. This woman said she was there on behalf of her transgender daughter, for the future. There wasn't a dry eye in the place.There were speakers from every walk of life and one a-ha moment came when one of them explained that this is not only the "transgender" amendment. It also protects feminine straight men, masculine straight women, and individuals who dress in an unconventional manner, etc. You could hear a gasp from the audience."
I think it is so important to keep reminding the dissenters that any law that discriminates against any individual just might be turned on them one day.
Congratulations to the citizens of Broward County!
Countess Bedelia 2/12/2008 11:01:00 PM
4 Comments:
Thank you for posting, Countess. Yesterday in the commission chambers I experienced something so profound, that it almost defies words. The night before, I didn't get any sleep from the anticipation of it. Witnessing the entire thing almost sucked the life right out of me, in a good way. Then from the emotional high, I couldn't sleep again last night! I can take a great deal of stress (both good and bad), but the excitement of this however, almost did me in. I feel better this evening.
Thank YOU, darling Tosca, for sharing your experience with me. You do so much for the LGBT community in your area. It is a privilege to have your friendship.
Too bad they gotta pass a law to make sure there's no discrimination. Seems to be it ought to be just plain good works.
The above is so true, and one of the speakers asked why we all can't enjoy the same civil and human rights based on our common "human-ness." Since that doesn't work, we require these laws.