Discrimination against transgender individuals is an issue that has been around for a long time, but it seems to have become worse in recent years. This blog post will explore some of the discrimination faced by transgender people, including employment discrimination, access to public accommodations, harassment in schools, and healthcare. We’ll also look at how the law protects transgender individuals.
What Is Transgender?
According to the American Psychological Association, a transgender is a person whose gender identity does not match the biological sex they were born with. Someone who is transgender may present themselves as the opposite gender, or they may dress and groom themselves as both genders or neither gender.
What is Transgender Discrimination?
Transgender discrimination is any unfair treatment, whether intentional or unintentional, due to a person’s transgender status.
Discrimination Faced By Transgender People
1. Employment Discrimination.
In 2011, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 90% of people identified as transgender had been discriminated against in their lifetime when applying for jobs and trying to keep them. About 47% reported being fired from a job because they were transgender or gender nonconforming. In 48% of the states in the U.S., it is legal to discriminate against transgender individuals in public places such as restaurants, stores, theaters, and hotels.
2. Harassment in Schools and Universities.
In 2007, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 78% of transgender students experienced harassment at school, including physical assault.
3. Discrimination from Healthcare Providers.
In 2011, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 50% of transgender patients encountered discrimination from healthcare providers because of their gender identity.
4. Discrimination in Homeless Shelters.
The National Transgender Discrimination Survey also found that 33% of transgender people were turned away by a shelter, and 25% were denied entry to a shelter. 35% experienced harassment and violence at shelters.
5. Discrimination in Prisons and Jails.
In 2011, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 46% of transgender prisoners reported being sexually assaulted by other inmates or guards. 37% reported being physically assaulted also. In addition to this, 65% said they were harassed due to their gender identity while incarcerated.
The Law Protecting Transgender People
1. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that employers can’t fire or refuse to hire someone just for being transgender, even if the person doesn’t identify as the gender they appear to be. Employers can also not deny an employee a promotion, lay them off, or not let them go back to work simply because they are transgender.
2. The Department of Education (DOE) states that schools and universities cannot refuse to admit someone due to their gender identity, nor can they prevent someone from accessing the bathroom that matches their gender identity. They also must allow transgender students to dress and present themselves as the gender they identify with.
3. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states that health care providers cannot refuse treatment or insurance benefits to someone simply because they are transgender. They also cannot deny someone surgery based on their identity.
4. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that homeless shelters cannot deny someone entry based on their gender identity. They must also protect transgender people from harassment while staying in the shelter.
5. The Department of Justice (DOJ) states that prisons are not allowed to put someone in solitary confinement only because they are transgender, nor can they force them to dress or present themselves as a gender they do not identify with. In addition to this, prisons must also protect transgender inmates from harassment and violence while incarcerated.
6. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that shelters cannot turn someone away due to their gender identity or expression, nor can they deny them entry because of how they dress or look. They have to protect transgender people from harassment in the shelter.
Conclusion
Based on the information gathered, it’s evident that federal laws are in place to protect transgender individuals from discrimination. Unfortunately, not every state has these protections for its residents, which is why it’s important to learn more about your rights as a transgender individual. I hope this article helped inform you of your rights to be prepared if you encounter discrimination.
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