Society is Ahead of the Curve on Transgender Rights: Shouldn't Our Laws Keep Up?

My gal pal and awesome musician Michelle Tannen has penned quite the commentary on our Transgender Rights.  Entitled, “In support of trans rights: Society is ready. It’s time for the laws to catch up”  I would strongly encourage our readers to go have a read.   She’s honest and transparent about her journey, and, on her call for Transgender Equal Rights Law in Massachusetts to be voted in.

Here’s a snippet from her excellent article:

My name is Michelle Tannen, and I’d like to share a bit of my story to reinforce why it’s so important for us to get the Transgender Equal Rights legislation passed now to guarantee us our basic civil rights.

I am a transwoman from central Massachusetts, working in a key strategic position for a high tech company. I actually can’t get too specific, because I’m not out yet except to a few select people.

I may be taking a slight risk by increasing my visibility…

Go have a read at Bay Windows or participate in the discussion on Pam’s House Blend

And don’t forget on June 23rd there is a LOBBY DAY here in MA for Transgender Rights.  We strongly encourage everyone who can attend to attend.  But, if you can’t, let me suggest you call or write your State Senator and Representative.   It’s easy; here are the tips on how to do it at the MTPC’s Web Site, below is an abrigded version from them:

• Click to this list to find who they are:  Find My Election Info, State and U.S. Elected Officials
• Write them, and, here is a handy outline to do so.  When writing your letter, consider the following key points:
  1. Why does this issue matter to you? (Do you care about equal rights, do you know trans people who have been discriminated against or harassed, etc)
  2. Who do you know that is affected? (family member, partner, friend, co-worker, teacher, etc)
  3. Why should legislators care? (You work/live/vote in MA, you are testifying about something personal or emotional that might affect their constituency, etc.)
  4. Your letter should be no longer than a page or two.
  5. Your name and some identifying characteristic such as your work or your relationship to the transgender community.
  6. Your connection to Massachusetts (where you live/work/vote/go to school).
  7. The name of the bill you are writing in support of: “An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights“.

Once you’ve sent your letter, please fill out MTPC’s contact reporting form so we know who is getting letters.