Virginia Data On Transgender Discrimination Released
Transgender and gender non-conforming people in Virginia face high levels of discrimination according to an analysis released by Equality Virginia and partner organizations.
Findings of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey: Virginia Results, an analysis created by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality and released by Equality Virginia, Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia, Richmond Transformers, Black Transmen, Inc., Gender Expression Movement and Ladies of the Blue Ridge - Transgender Alliance, is a break out of the comprehensive national study released last year, Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, which revealed widespread discrimination experienced by transgender and gender non-conforming people across the country.
A key finding of the full report was that, even given the high levels of discrimination against all transgender people in the U.S., people of color experienced heightened levels of discrimination and had worse outcomes than the sample overall. Transgender and gender non-conforming people of color faced the combination of anti-transgender bias with structural and interpersonal racism.
The new Virginia-focused analysis shows the specifics of what is happening in this state:
80% reported experiencing harassment or mistreatment on the job
22% lost a job
26% were denied a promotion
44% were not hired
James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia, says although shocking, the numbers reflect the stories heard in his organization’s office. “We receive calls about these challenges not only in the job market, but also in housing and healthcare,” he said. “These numbers show a real problem that needs to be addressed. We need to work together to raise awareness and offer stability for all Americans.”
"By shedding light on the discrimination that transgender Americans face, this study poses a challenge to us all. No one should be out of a job, living in poverty, or faced with sub-par health care simply because of their gender identity or expression. The scope of the problem is clear, and now we must come together to solve it," said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
“State's across the country have made a lot of progress toward ensuring safety, jobs, and homes for transgender people,” said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. “But this research points out persistent gaps in the fair and equal treatment of transgender people.”
For the full Injustice at Every Turn report, go here.
Equality Virginia is a statewide, non-partisan education, outreach, and advocacy organization seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Virginians. Since 1989, EV has worked to end discrimination, protect families and build safe communities. More information is online at EqualityVirginia.org. Connect on Facebook.com/EqualityVA or Twitter @EqualityVA.
Transgender and gender non-conforming people in Virginia face high levels of discrimination according to an analysis released by Equality Virginia and partner organizations.
Findings of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey: Virginia Results, an analysis created by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality and released by Equality Virginia, Coalition for Transgender Rights in Virginia, Richmond Transformers, Black Transmen, Inc., Gender Expression Movement and Ladies of the Blue Ridge - Transgender Alliance, is a break out of the comprehensive national study released last year, Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, which revealed widespread discrimination experienced by transgender and gender non-conforming people across the country.