Victoria Michaels, Transvestigator
Until recently, the struggles that transgender individuals face in both public and private institutions have been discussed primarily in the LGBT community, but not by the wider public.
According to a study conducted in November 2011 by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) though it found that a majority of Americans now support strong rights and legal protections for transgender individuals.
This positive change in public opinion proves people’s hearts, minds and attitudes toward the trans community is changing.
In addition to showing broad support for trans-rights, the PRRI study also found that an overwhelming majority of Americans polled felt that they had a solid understanding of transgender rights and 75 percent had a solid understanding of what the term “transgender” means.
About 11 percent reported that they had a close friend or family member who identifies as transgender.
In March The National Center for Transgender Equality released a new “Blue Print For Equality” that outlines 99 steps that could be taken to advance the lives of transgender Americans. The report highlights various areas of concern for transgender people and the ways policies do not currently ensure transgender protection:
Some of the categories in the report include: economic opportunity, housing and homelessness, safe and supportive schools, access to quality health care, fighting HIV, ending anti-transgender violence, improving the lives of transgender older adults, and including transgender people in federal surveys.
The reports also lists key needs for the trans community such as educating TSA workers to ensure safe traveling, equal access to public programs, immigration reform, prison and detention reform for transgender people behind bars, open military service, family and relationship recognition, and advancing global human rights.
J
odi Ihme of The Broward Health Department and founder of Transgender Health In Action has been a great supporter and advocate for the transgender community. On March 16 and 17 she and others hosted the “2nd Annual Transgender Medical Symposium“ which also included presentations by The Center of Excellence for Transgender Health-UCSF, Community Health Center, NY and the University of Miami.
The symposium consisted of 3 concurrent tracks addressing medical, mental health and HIV workshops. Attendance was overwhelming. Experienced medical presenters provided education in all of the workshops. The success of this symposium coupled with the attendees’ desire to be educated works to continue to strengthen our commitment to provide
Written by The Transvestigator – Victoria Michaels, SouthFloridaGayNews.com
