Protecting Transgenders is Protecting GaysTommi Avicolli-Meccabyline‚ Oct. 09‚ 2007In 1973, when Philly’s gay rights bill was being prepared for introduction, some of us in the Gay Activists Alliance’s Radicalqueens (transgender) Caucus proposed that drag queens/kings and transsexuals also be added to the list of those who couldn’t be discriminated against in employment, housing and public accommodations. It didn't happen. The fight for inclusion back then mirrors what is happening today, as Congressman Barney Frank (D-Boston) continues to defend his pulling protections for transgenders from the federal gay rights bill for the sake of political expediency. Frank feels that he can more easily pass legislation sans “gender identity.” |