Op-ed, sanjoseinside

By Kris Hayashi and Rick Zbur

The annual CalifoImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.rnia Democratic Convention held at the San Jose Convention Center last month generated many stories about policymakers and activists coming together in preparation for the upcoming elections.

When delegates met, they added into the platform a declaration to: “Protect the right of all people to use facilities and participate in all aspects of society consistent with their true gender identity, regardless of the gender assigned them at birth.”

This is a significant and necessary step forward for all transgender people—who are simply those born as one sex, but feel deeply and consistently that their gender identity is different.

According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, “Transgender people face extraordinary levels of physical and sexual violence, whether on the streets, at school or work, at home, or at the hands of government officials. … More than one in four transgender people has faced a bias-driven assault, and rates are higher for transgender women and transgender people of color.”

Frankly, these statistics are appalling.

The delegates at the California Democratic Convention must be applauded for recognizing the importance of making a clear statement that all Californians have a responsibility to take a stand against discriminatory attacks on transgender people.

While their recent action was a positive stride, it’s just the beginning. As Californians, we cannot stop until transgender people are treated equally in all parts of life—a mission that’s worth fighting for.

Kris Hayashi serves as executive director of the Transgender Law Center. Rick Zbur is executive director of Equality California (EQCA).

http://www.sanjoseinside.com/2016/03/11/ca-dem-convention-reaffirms-transgender-communitys-rights/#.VuNLLIPEltA.mailto