TransAdvocate

Why is it crucial to protect transgender individuals?
Every person in our state deserves an equal opportunity to make a life for him or herself free from discrimination and violence regardless of the chromosomes with which they were born, the hormones to which they were exposed in the womb, or the medical procedures they’ve undergone since. In Maryland, transgender people are not included in state laws prohibiting discrimination. Only Baltimore City has a civil rights ordinance covering gender identity and expression. When unchecked, discrimination can lead to chronic unemployment and homelessness, and in turn can render its victims more vulnerable to violence. When discrimination prevents or hinders a person from gaining or keeping employment, many other problems develop. Rent doesn’t get paid, which leads to eviction. Transgender individuals may be denied access to social services like shelters or rape crisis centers; refused treatment, ridiculed, or denied recognition of their gender identity by health care professionals;
or refused service at restaurants or stores.

How big is this problem?
The Washington Transgender Needs Assessment survey estimates that 42% of transgender people in the DC Metro Area are unemployed; 31% have incomes of less than $10,000/year; and 19% do not have their own living space. The most common barriers cited by those who lack housing are their economic situation (38%), housing staff insensitivity or hostility to transgender people (29%), estrangement from birth family (27%) and lack of employment (23%).

- from Equality Maryland