California is at the cutting edge when it comes to addressing issues that many in the LGBT community face, including transgender issues.
Even though more states are following in California’s example, those in the transgender community say they are still not receiving the same protections or rights that many others take for granted.
While other states debate over which restroom a person is allowed to use or if transgender men and women should be allowed to serve openly in the military, California sits quietly and watches.
“California has very advanced laws around that, and significant access for people who are transgender compared to many other states,” said Jo Michael, Legislative Manager for Equality California.
Unlike 11 states fighting and suing President Obama for his new Transgender Bathroom Policy, California already allows a person to use the restroom they identify with. The state has also made it easier for those in transition.
“Being able to live in the world and to be able to navigate things that might be particular to the transgender experience, like changing your legal name, changing other types of documentation, being able to have access to the medical care that you need. That’s really necessary to be able to live as who you are,” Michael stated.
As a whole, Sacramento and California are considered progressive; however, there are still instances of harassment and violence.
“People shouldn’t see it as something that needs to be reacted toward violently. That’s in fact, exactly what hurts the transgender community the most and I think what hurts the community in general is people having that fear-based reaction to anyone, rather than seeing someone’s humanity. It’s sad,” said Michael.
While other states are debating over new transgender restroom laws, California is continuing with its goal of eliminating gender discrimination.
The latest move includes a bill in the state legislature that would stop identifying single-use restrooms as either for men or women, but rather for all-genders instead.
Read more: http://kfbk.iheart.com/articles/kfbk-news-461777/california-at-the-cutting-edge-of-14838515/#ixzz4CML7VjA1
