Why is it that "straight" people are not discriminated against? Is it because LGBT people are nicer than straight people?
Why is it that "white" people can go anywhere they choose? Is it because non-white people think you are cool? (Unlikely.)
How would you white straight people feel if you were unable to get a
job, or a house, or made to feel uncomfortable in a restaurant, because
of what you seem to be?
Consider this:
Whether
you're a retail clerk, a mechanic, or a surgeon – if you're gay, lesbian,
bisexual or transgender, you shouldn't be forced to stay in the closet for fear
of losing your job. Today, in 29 states LGBT people can be fired only because
they're lesbian, gay, or bisexual. And in 34 states, people can be fired just
because they're transgender — reasons completely unrelated to their work!
For two
years, Congress has stalled all action on ENDA, the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act, which would ban discrimination just like this —
discrimination based on an employee's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Thankfully,
on June 12 a Senate committee will finally hold a hearing on ENDA. This is our
chance to shine a spotlight on the real harm caused by these forms of workplace
discrimination. But we
need the Senate to go further — ENDA needs to be voted out of committee and
sent to the Senate floor!
It's simply
outrageous that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community STILL does
not have clear federal protections from workplace discrimination. Discrimination
at work is well-documented, both for LGB people as well as transgender people.
ENDA would
ensure that employees are treated based on the quality of their work and
nothing else.
We
need your help right now to outlaw this form of discrimination, once and for
all!
From Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Think Big, people!
Think about "fairness, dignity, and respect" (h/t Chris Donovan).
Thank you.
