I find it hard to respect behavior which compels an individual to mutilate his or her reproductive organs. Its as if a grossly obese individual asked that his "life-choices" of gorging on food be respected. Why should destructive choices be respected?

In the "trans-gendered" community there's this asinine notion that your sex is determined by your state of mind (if you feel like a woman, you are a woman, notwithstanding the penis) and not your genetic code. Would leftists accept me so readily if I said I felt black and proceeded to inject dark pigment under my skin? Would that turn me into a black man?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

First off, thanks for covering this issue. I'd like to counter the idea, though, that to scuttle rights for trans people (or, more importantly, discrimination based on gender identity/presentation) would be to pragmatically advance ENDA. At a job interview, the basis for an employer discriminating against you isn't usually because you've chosen to disclose who you sleep with, but whether or not they perceived you to be gay, and that's often based on crude stereotypes of gay men as being more 'effeminate' or lesbian women as 'masculine' -- e.g., perceived gender "atypical" behavior. The basis for proving discrimination BOTH for sexual orientation AND gender identity is solidified by the presence of gender identity, not weakened by it! Not only is it the wrong thing for the LGB community to cut off the T, it undermines the very usefulness of the legislation.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

What I see is needed, as I have said time, and again, is a Tenacious, Intelligent, Knowledgeable, & Articulate Transgender, Unequivocal Equality Dream Team, to stand on the floor of the House & Senate, & Educate!

In this 21st Century, being Unprogressive, and/or promoting an agenda that equates the call from a sinking ship, "Gay's & Lesbians First!," while those who are Transgender, are shoved back, is unacceptable, and simply, Appalling!

~Mekah Gordon, Ph.D., L. E.
Founder/CEO
S. U. R. E. Foundation
Santa Fe, NM

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I am all for equal rights. I also know several different TG's due to the fact my wife's best friend is a lesbian who has dated several. I do not believe in discrimination in any form, but the idea that someone was born the wrong sex is absurd. To me it is a symptom of a larger problem. TG's don't want to be seen as gay, the want to pass. In a perfect world sans discrimination there would be no TG's because homosexuality would be totally accepted. It is really sad that someone would basically render their sex organs useless because they don't have the courage to be who they are.. Gay.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I am a crossdresser and I'm a retired manager.

When you talk to people like local givernment officials and hiring managers who are on the fence and inclined to support transgender employment rights, their issue is almost always, "what is and what is not an acceptable expression of gender preference in the work place?"

I believe we all know what should be protected and what should not be protected when we see it. Susan Stanton, who was recently dismissed from her position as city manager of Largo Florida should be protected under the law. So should Alice.

But what about a guy with a beard who comes to work in a mini-skirt and heels? As a manager I see that as nothing more than disruptive to the workplace and I would send him home.

I understand that everyone that transitions receives a note form a therapist. But that alone is not sufficient. A recent story on 60 Minutes regarding medical marijuana demonstrated that many doctors will provide a note to anyone who requests it. I know there are therapist who would do the same for any cross dresser.

I believe if you can come up with the right language that passes constitutional muster, what expression is protected and what is not, inclusive ENDA will become acceptable to more local government officals, hiring managers and law makers. This is something that SHOULD BE AND NEEDS TO BE DONE.

susan

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]