#matransbill

[masstpc]

#TransWk: Policy Updates from ED Mason Dunn

In honor of Transgender Awareness Week, I wanted give you a policy and advocacy update from MTPC. It’s been an exciting year, and not just here in Massachusetts!

First, I have to mention the Employment Non-Discrimination Act: this legislation is an important step to ensure trans people across the country are safe from discrimination in the workplace. As many of you may have heard, last week ENDA passed the U.S. Senate. After several years of work and advocacy, this important legislation is moving forward for the first time. This is an exciting victory, but ENDA still has a ways to go. You can learn more about ENDA, the next steps, and what you can do to help from our friends at NCTE.

Of course, here in Massachusetts, non-discrimination in the workplace was achieved in 2011 with the passage of the Transgender Equal Rights Law. However, the move toward equal rights for the trans community is still incomplete. MTPC, along with several coalition partners, are working on the Equal Access Bill, which will add public accommodations to the non-discrimination laws already in place. This past July we presented testimony to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary about the importance of equal access to public accommodations. The bill is still in committee, and we are asking legislators on the committee to move the bill forward by reporting it favorably to the state House and Senate.

As we have seen in past legislative efforts, our stories are a powerful tool in moving the hearts and minds of legislators. If you have a story of public accommodations discrimination, please tell us. Learn more about public accommodations and then share your experiences with us. Every story help!

In addition to legislation, our Policy Committee has been hard at work preparing a report on shelter policies. The report will be released soon, so check back to hear more about policies of trans-inclusion in our state’s shelters.

As always, MTPC is available as a resource to you: if you have questions about policies, are interested in getting involved, or simply want to hear about our programs, please contact email us at [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you!

[masstpc]

MTPC launches #MAtransbill Twitter campaign for Mass. Equal Access Bill

With the legislature back in session, MTPC and ally organizations are renewing the push for passage of the Massachusetts Equal Access Bill. YOU can help us leverage the power of social media by joining our Twitter campaign for public education and outreach to members of the judiciary committee.

The campaign begins TODAY and will run through the end of November. The only thing you need to do is follow @MassTPC on Twitter and retweet our posts related to the Equal Access Bill and the need to protect access to public accommodations for all people. By retweeting posts tagged #MAtransbill, you can help generate much-needed buzz about the bill and thank our legislative supporters. This Twitter campaign will have three phases:

Oct. 7-31 will be educational tweets about public accommodations to members of the judiciary committee and Thank You tweets to legislative sponsors.

Nov. 1-15 will be tweets of news stories and facts about trans equal access and more Thank You tweets to legislative sponsors.

Nov. 15-30 will be tweets about how individuals can take action and final Thank You tweets to legislators.

We can't do this without you, so please help us make the #MAtransbill campaign a success.

[masstpc]

Nancy Nangeroni, Chair of the Steering Committee, has announced the appointment of Mason Dunn as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, effective August 8, 2013.

Dunn brings ten years of experience in LGBT coalition, organization and community, much of it as a transgender community organizer and leader. A recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire School of Law, he comes to MTPC from the NH Civil Liberties Union, where he worked on a fellowship and filled a variety of roles, including communications, policy and research. He most recently served on the Steering Committee for Transgender New Hampshire, and as an adjunct faculty member at UNH Manchester in the Communication Arts department, teaching a course on LGBTQ Images and Perspectives. Prior to law school Dunn worked on the Board of Directors of TransMentors International, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring in the transgender community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mason, who for many years has committed himself to advocacy on behalf of transgender issues and community,” Nangeroni said. “He brings excellent skills along with a demonstrated dedication to the principles embodied in MTPC’s mission and values. He is the right person to lead our organization as we grow further in fulfillment of the increasingly recognized needs of our underserved community.”

MTPC Vice-Chair Maxwell Ng added, “I’m excited to work with Mason because of the energy and vision he brings to our organization. It’s an exciting time to be involved with MTPC.”

“I am honored to have been selected as the next leader for MTPC, and I’m looking forward to working in this amazing community,” Dunn said. “The Massachusetts trans* movement has seen astonishing progress over the past few years thanks to MTPC, yet we have a long way to go in achieving full equality for our community.”

***

Founded in 2001, MTPC is dedicated to ending discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. The organization works to educate the public about transgender identities, advocates in state and local governments and encourages empowerment of community members through collective action.

[masstpc]

The Equal Access campaign is heating up!

Summer is a great time for activism. If you care about trans* equality, here are some ways you can take action to support the transgender Equal Access Bill in Massachusetts.

Join the public education campaign. Tell people what public accommodations are and why we need the non-discrimination law to protect access to public accommodations for transgender people. Here’s a graphic you can share on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, email, etc.

Share your experiences. We have two great opportunities coming up where you can learn how to use your stories to engage in legislative change.

Join MTPC and GLAD in Lowell on Monday, June 24, 2013, 6:30-8:30 pm to SHARE YOUR STORY FOR TRANS EQUALITY! Join us for a night of open conversation where we discuss the Equal Access Bill, share our own stories of discrimination in public space, and learn about what we can do as community members when facing discrimination. The night will end with a conversation around self-care for ourselves, and our larger community. A space will be provided for those who want to write their story down to be used in advocating for the bill. Light refreshments will be provided. Center for Hope & Healing, 144 Merrimack Street Suite 304, Lowell, MA

Join MTPC, GLAD, and PFLAG in Boston on Thursday, June 27, 2013, 6-8 pm for PARENTS OF TRANS KIDS: Sharing Your Story For Trans Equality Join us for a night of open conversation where we discuss the Equal Access Bill, share our own stories as parents of transgender children, and learn how to use our stories to engage in legislative change. A space will be provided for those who want to practice sharing their story and/or write their story down to be used in advocating for the Equal Access Bill. Light refreshments will be provided. 30 Winter Street Suite 800, Boston, MA

[masstpc]

TONIGHT! MTPC and LifeSkills present: Creating Change Through Lived Experience

Join us tonight at Fenway Health, 6-8 pm, to talk about what discrimination in public accommodations is and learn a bit of history on the current Massachusetts Equal Access Bill.

We will open up the conversation so folks can speak out and share their own personal stories about experiencing discrimination in public spaces. Next, we will provide space for participants to write down their stories for use when advocating for the Equal Access Bill.

We will then come back as a group to learn about legal rights and what we can do as community members when facing discrimination. We’ll end the night with a conversation about self care for ourselves and our larger communities.

TONIGHT! Tuesday April 23, Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston St., 9th Floor, 6-8 pm.

[masstpc]

A Note from MTPC’s New Interim Director, Jesse Begenyi

Dear MTPC supporters and community members,

Many of you are aware that Gunner Scott has left MTPC and is en route to his next adventure, as the Director of Programs for Pride Foundation in Seattle.  Here at MTPC, we will miss him greatly. We are also more motivated than ever to continue to educate the public; advocate with state, local, and federal government; engage in political activism; and encourage empowerment of community members through collective action in order to make our vision of equality a reality.

As the recent community organizer and a former MTPC steering committee member, I am honored that I was asked to step in as interim director. For the next six months, I have the privilege of working with you as we engage in an intentional, community-driven process for finding the next MTPC director.

During this time, MTPC will also be launching a Community Advocate Program to provide ongoing training and support for community members across the state who wish to take on leadership roles. We will also be partnering with GLAD and Life Skills at Fenway Health to hold an event for transgender folks to reflect on the experience of being discriminated against while accessing public places. The event will focus on ways to take care of ourselves when experiencing this kind of discrimination as well as empowering ways to share our stories while helping to advocate for the Equal Access Bill to add transgender protections in these public places (public accommodations) to existing laws. We will also be participating in Northampton Pride, Boston Pride, and Youth Pride and will have another push to gather new I AM: Trans People Speak video stories.

In addition to our new events and initiatives, we will continue to lead the legislative effort on An Act Relative to Equal Access in Hospitals, Public Transportation, Nursing Homes, Supermarkets, Retail Establishments, and all other places open to the public. MTPC will also be supporting An Act Regulating Use of Credit Reports by Employers, An Act to provide housing and support services to unaccompanied homeless youth, and An Act Relative to Abusive Practices to Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity in Minors.

Our committees are responsible for so much of the hard work MTPC accomplishes and are a great way for community members to join our ongoing efforts. Our Policy Committee develops transgender-inclusive policies and best practices for state agencies and other organizations. Kaleidoscope develops programming, provides leadership opportunities, and holds a bi-monthly gender discussion group for people of color of all genders and sexualities. Our Interfaith Committee (ICTE) educates faith communities on inclusion and celebration of trans youth, adults, and families in all congregations. Please contact us if you’re interested in joining us in this important work.

Thank you in advance to our hardworking staff in the MTPC office, to the dedicated members of the steering committee, and to each and every one of the incredible transgender individuals and allies who make up the MTPC family. I know that I will have a successful experience as interim director because of all of you amazing folks. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Best, Jesse Begenyi

Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition P.O. Box 960784, Boston, MA 02196 Office: 617-778-0519 x5 [email protected]

[masstpc]

Mass. Equal Access Bill Has 59 Supporting Legislators

MTPC and the Transgender Equal Rights Coalition are thrilled to report that in addition to lead sponsors Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, Sen. Benjamin Downing, Rep. Carl Sciortino, and Rep. Byron Rushing, 55 more legislators have signed on as cosponsors of the Mass. Equal Access Bill. (See the list here.)

Thank you for coming out to the State House for our Action Day last month and for all the phone calls you placed since then to make this happen. This is and will continue to be a community effort--and there is still much more to do. But it's worth pausing to appreciate the positive effects of the work we have already done to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones.

If your legislator(s) cosponsored An Act Relative to Equal Access in Hospitals, Public Transportation, Nursing Homes, Supermarkets, Retail Establishments, and all other places open to the public, please a take a moment to say thanks via email, snail mail, or phone call.

And keep posting to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc., about why you are supporting the Equal Access Bill. Why are public accommodations protections important to you? Use the hashtag #MAtransbill, and add #TransMA and/or#MApoli if there’s room.

Thank Your Cosponsoring Legislators

1) Locate your state officials.

2) Ask for your Representative or Senator by name. Usually you end up speaking with a legislative aide. Introduce yourself as a constituent. Give your name and town. Tell them that passing the Act Relative to Equal Access bill is VERY important to you and thank them for signing on as cosponsors. 

Contact Other Legislators to Support the Bill

If your legislators are not cosponsors at this time, please call to make an appointment to talk with them about the importance of this bill and how it affects your life not to have these protections.

If you're worried about what to say, just follow the script below.

Hi my name is _____________. I am a constituent of Representative/Senator ______. Is the Representative/Senator in today? (If no, ask if there is someone you can talk with.)

I am calling because I would like my legislator to support An Act Relative to Equal Access in Hospitals, Public Transportation, Nursing Homes, Supermarkets, Retail Establishments, and all other places open to the public, which is House Docket #1172and Senate Docket #568. This bill has been filed in the House by lead sponsors Representatives Carl Sciortino and Byron Rushing and in the Senate by lead sponsors Senators Sonia Chang-Diaz and Ben Downing. Is this something Representative/Senator ______ is willing to cosponsor?

IF THE AIDE SAYS YES, you can reply with:

Thank you! That’s great! I really appreciate Representative/Senator _____’s supporting this bill. I will be sure to pass your name along to Representative Sciortino (or Senator Chang-Diaz if talking to a Senator). The bill has been filed as House Docket #1172 and Senate Docket #568. (If Representative) Please contact Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, 617-722-2013,[email protected], in Rep. Carl Sciortino’s office. (If Senator) Please contact Katherine Adam, 617-722-1673,[email protected], in Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s office if you have any questions.

IF THE AIDE SAYS YES, WE WILL SUPPORT THE BILL you can reply with:

Thank you! That’s great! I really appreciate Representative/Senator __________’s supporting this bill.

IF THE AIDE SAYS THAT THEY NEED TO CHECK WITH THEIR BOSS, you can reply with:

I have an Equal Access Legislative Brief that I would like to email to you about the bill. Also, Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, 617-722-2013, in Representative Carl Sciortino’s office (if talking with your Rep) and/or Katherine Adam, 617-722-1673, in Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s office (if talking your Senator) can also provide your boss with more information. Thank you for your attention to this matter. When is a good time for me to check back about where you stand after reading the brief and what action you are taking on this bill?

IF THE AIDE SAYS NO, you can reply with:

Thank you for your time. I would like to email a 2013 Equal Access Legislative Brief to you today and I would like to meet with you (if talking directly with Senator or Rep) Representative/Senator _____ in the district office to talk about the bill. When is a good time for me to check back about where you stand after reading the fact sheet?

Thank them for taking the time out of their busy schedules to talk with you and wish them a good day!

AFTERWARD

Email staffers the 2013 Equal Access Legislative Brief. Fill out our Report Results form to let us know how it went.

[masstpc]

MTPC Call to Action: Equal Access Bill 2/1 DEADLINE

Demand equal access to public accomodations for transgender people in MA! 

The cosponsorship deadline for the Equal Access Bill is February 1. So now‭ ‬is the time‭ ‬to make your voice heard‭!‬ Contact your state senators and representatives‭ ‬TODAY‭ ‬and ask them to support the bill.

In November‭ ‬2011,‭ ‬Massachusetts became the‭ ‬16th state to add non-discrimination laws for gender identity in the areas of employment,‭ ‬housing,‭ ‬K-12‭ ‬public education,‭ ‬and credit.‭ ‬Additionally,‭ ‬Massachusetts Hate Crimes laws were also updated to include gender identity.‭ ‬This law is known as the Act Relative to Gender Identity.

This new‭ ‬law did not‭ ‬include protections in public accommodations,‭ ‬though.‭ ‬Public accommodations‭ ‬include‭ ‬banks,‭ ‬gas stations,‭ ‬beauty salons,‭ ‬doctors‭’ ‬offices,‭ ‬court rooms,‭ ‬hotels,‭ ‬restaurants,‭ ‬shopping centers,‭ ‬theaters,‭ ‬sports arenas,‭ ‬museums,‭ ‬libraries,‭ ‬zoos,‭ ‬beaches,‭ ‬public transit,‭ ‬airports,‭ ‬public streets,‭ ‬sidewalks,‭ ‬and many other places open to the public.

Here’s what‭ ‬YOU can do to ensure all transgender people in Massachusetts have‭ ‬equal rights to‭ ‬use‭ ‬public spaces‭ ‬free of any discrimination.‭ 

     1) Locate your‭ ‬state officials. 

‭     2) ‬Ask for your‭ ‬State‭ ‬Representative or Senator by name.‭ ‬Usually you end up speaking with a legislative aide.‭ ‬Introduce yourself as a constituent.‭ ‬Give your name and town.‭ ‬Tell them that passing the‭ ‬Equal Access‭ ‬Bill is VERY important to you.‭ ‬If they need more information,‭ ‬tell them the bill has been filed as‭ ‬House Docket‭ ‬#1172‭ ‬and‭ ‬Senate Docket‭ ‬#568.‭ 

The Equal Access Bill would add‭ “‬gender identity‭” ‬to existing Massachusetts civil rights law for public accommodations,‭ ‬which currently prohibits discrimination on the basis of age,‭ ‬race,‭ ‬creed,‭ ‬color,‭ ‬national origin,‭ ‬sexual orientation,‭ ‬sex and marital status.‭ ‬Nationwide,‭ ‬15‭ ‬states,‭ ‬the District of Columbia and‭ ‬187‭ ‬cities and counties‭ (‬including Boston,‭ ‬Cambridge,‭ ‬Amherst and Northampton‭) ‬have passed non-discrimination laws or ordinances protecting people on this basis.

If you would like to follow a detailed script when calling,‭ ‬you can‭ ‬find that here.

     3‭) ‬Fill out our Report Results form to let us know how it went.

Another way that you can help is to talk up‭ ‬#MAtransbill online.‭ 

We’d love for you to post to Facebook,‭ ‬Twitter,‭ ‬Tumblr,‭ ‬etc.,‭ ‬about why you are supporting the Equal Access Bill today.‭ ‬Why are public accommodations protections important to you‭? ‬Use the hashtag‭ ‬#MAtransbill,‭ ‬and add‭ ‬#TransMA and‭ ‬#MApoli if there’s room.‭ Here's a sample tweet:

Stop discrimination in MA public accommodations based on gender-identity/expression. Call sens/reps 1/31! http://www.masstpc.org/take-action/contact-elected #MAtransbill

If you’d like more information,‭ ‬please check out these resources:

‭* ‬2013‭ ‬Equal Access in Public Accommodations Legislative Brief‭ ‬(PDF‭)

* What Are Public Accommodations‭?‬ (PDF‭)

* Consequences of Not Having Equal Access Protections in Public Accommodations‭ ‬(PDF‭)