Thursday, May 04, 2017

So You Think An Executive Order Can Protect Us?

A couple of years ago the New York LGBT organization Empire State Pride Agenda claimed victory when the governor signed an EO giving us protection, well the EO is being challenged.
Transgender student fights for restroom access at Tonawanda High School
WIVB Ch 4
By Marissa Perlman
Published: May 3, 2017

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) – A 17-year-old who identifies as female is being told she’s no longer allowed to use the women’s restroom at school.

Junior year will be one to remember for Arianna Adamo. It is her first full year walking the halls of Tonawanda High School as a woman. She’s been transitioning for years now, but she says her fight is just beginning. The Tonawanda High School Junior says she’s never felt more like herself.
[…]
Now, she’s fighting for answers now that she’s not allowed to use the ladies restroom at her school. She said, “I identify as a woman, I’d like to use the women’s bathroom.”
[…]
Right now, they’re following the State Education Department’s guidance document which in part says, “alternative accommodations, such as a single “unisex” bathroom or private changing space, should be made available to students who request them, but should never be forced upon students, nor presented as the only option.
You got that? The state still allows schools to segregate us with impunity, so much for the governor’s Executive Order and so much for the Empire State Pride Agenda proclamation of victory.

Back in 2002 when we were tossed under the bus when the Empire State Pride Agenda and dropped Gender Identity and Expression from the LGBT non-discrimination bill in a backroom negotiation and renaming Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONA) promised to help us pass GENDA (Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act). Well we are still waiting some fifteen years later we are still waiting!

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