It's moments like this you realize why you fight.
Mon Jul 16, 2007 at 08:43:36 PM PDT
Today the Broward County (FL) Humans Rights Board at it's monthly meeting was dealing with an attempt to delay their recommendation to add transgender protection to the county's civil right ordinance. At a previous meeting, the Board had unanimously voted to make the change, forwarded it to the county attorney to draft the legislation, which is expected to pass the County Commmission unanimously.
Before the public was allowed to speak, it was clear that the Board was unlikely to change their position.
But an individual had asked the Board to consider delaying their action and they were given an opportunity to present their opinion at today's meeting. After she and her colleague spoke, it was time for public comment.
Follow me below the fold....
GLBT activists filled the room and many spoke passionately about the need to add transgender protection. Broward County added gay and lesbian protection in the mid 1990's, but the transgender community was asked to wait. In 2004, when the issue was revisited, they were against asked to wait. I had a chance to speak and pointed out that Broward County has come a long way from the 1990's, electing it's first openly gay county commissioner last year.
But it was the statements of the 4 transgender individuals that simultaneously broke my heart and made me realize the importance of this fight. They spoke about being the target of constant discrimination and feeling like there was still a tacit approval from certain parts of society to permit this discrimination.
One spoke about having lost her job, being out of work for over 3 months now and now being able to wait any longer for protection in the work place. One spoke about the difficulties of having to present identification that showed her as female but presenting himself as male. Finally, and most poignantly, one woman spoke about being attacked a few years ago, losing a hand and an eye in the attack, simply because she was perceived to be different.
All they are asking are the same protections that we all take for granted. After hearing their testimony, I couldn't see how anyone could ask them to wait any longer.
I am proud to report that the Human Rights Board refused to consider the request to delay adding transgender protection and the legislation is proceeding for consideration by the county commission. As I said, it is expected to pass unanimously.
Sometime working in politics you feel like Sisyphus of Greek mythology, pushing the rock up the hill, only to have it roll back down on you, wondering why you tried pushing it up the hill in the first place.
Today I saw the faces of those I have been fighting for and saw tangible results of our actions. It's enough to keep me going for a while longer!
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