Transgender Rights

The Bay State Stonewall Democrats enthusiastically support House Bill #1728 “An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes.” We agree with the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) when they say that “no one deserves to be fired, refused work, denied housing, education or credit, or face harassment or violence simply because of bias against their gender identity or expression.” Furthermore, the BSSD believes that passing House Bill #1728 is essential in protecting all people, because it would give equal protection under the law for not only those who identify as transgender, but also people who don’t conform to gender stereotypes.

Currently, House Bill #1728 is before the House Judiciary Committee. On July 14, a hearing was held concerning the need for and passage of this legislation.  (See http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=93756 for a full report of the hearing) 

As of September 25, 2009, the legislation has not been released by the Judiciary Committee.  MTPC leadership is urging those LGBT and other supporters who live in the districts of the members of theJudiciary Committee to call them and urge them to approve the legislation for a full vote in the House and Senate. (Use this link for names of Representatives and State Senators on the Joint Judiciary Committee: http://www.mass.gov/legis/comm/j19.htm)  
 

State Funding for LGBT Projects Reduced for FY ‘10 
 

Hard times mean reduced state revenues which this year means a reduction of 25% in all LGBT funding, including the State Commission on LGBT Youth. In the FY 10 budget, which began July 1, 2009, LGBT projects funds lost their status as “line items” with designated amounts of money to be provided written into the budget itself.  For next year, (FY ’11)the (Youth) Commission is focused on working with the Department of Education and Department of Public Health to make sure they include GLBT youth services in their budgets and planning , according to MassNonProfits Newsletter, September ’09 edition.  The LGBT Aging project and Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project also suffered funding reductions.  This occurred despite heavy lobbying by BSSD members as well as by other LGBT advocacy groups to at least maintain prior funding levels. (For more information go to: http://www.massnonprofit.org/news.php?artid=1628&catid=13)  
 
Funding for LGBT Seniors 
The Bay State Stonewall Democrats applaud both the Massachusetts House and Senate for including funding in the upcoming budget for projects that benefit LGBT senior citizens. The struggle to make sure there’s enough funding for these projects is a year-to-year effort, but an important one. Given that there are thousands of senior citizens across the Commonwealth who are also members of the LGBT community, it’s important that lawmakers and citizens push for these elders in our communities to have equal access to the many benefits every senior citizen across this state should be afforded, regardless of sexual orientation.  
 

On August 17th the LGBT Aging Project's Policy Committee met with Ann Hartstein, the newly appointed Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The Policy Committee briefed the Secretary on our major initiatives - expanding the Open Door Task Force; the LGBT cultural competency program for mainstream elder care providers; advocacy for LGBT inclusion in the state's elder services; and outreach to LGBT seniors and caregivers throughout Massachusetts.  The Secretary was engaged and understanding of the issues facing LGBT seniors and caregivers. We look forward to further discussions with the Secretary and her staff regarding full inclusion for LGBT older adults in Massachusetts. (for more information go to:  http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs087/1101765436976/archive/1102700781349.html)