Category: Transgender

Responses to Reports that Pentagon is Moving to End Ban on Open Transgender Military Service

July 13, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, July 13, 2015 New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) today responded to reports that Pentagon leaders are poised to end the ban on open transgender military service. The Associated Press reports that the the Pentagon is set to make a formal announcement this week that … More Responses to Reports that Pentagon is Moving to End Ban on Open Transgender Military Service

Transgender Professor’s Claim Against University Can Go Forward

July 13, 2015

Court OKs Transgender Professor’s Claim Against  Southeastern Oklahoma State University Posted by Melanie Nathan, July 13, 2015. The U.S. Department of Justice brought a complaint against Southeastern Oklahoma State University and another defendant on March 30, 2015. The suit alleged that the University terminated the employment of Dr. Rachel Tudor, an assistant professor, based on her gender, … More Transgender Professor’s Claim Against University Can Go Forward

West Virginia Changes Policy for Trans Driver’s Licenses

July 7, 2015

Transgender West Virginians May Now Get Accurate Driver’s Licenses With Photos Reflecting Their True Selves Posted by Melanie Nathan, July 7, 2015 – West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)  can no longer tell Trans people how to dress for their photos in West Virginia. The Department has changed its license photo policy to allow … More West Virginia Changes Policy for Trans Driver’s Licenses

TLDEF Denounces New York State Senate’s Failure to Pass Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA)

June 25, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, June 25, 2015. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) denounces the New York State Senate’s failure to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act. The bill would have added transgender people to New York’s hate crimes law and protected them from discrimination in employment, housing and … More TLDEF Denounces New York State Senate’s Failure to Pass Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA)

Breakthrough African Academic Report Shows Basis for Anti-Homosexuality Laws Fail Science

June 12, 2015

Crucial tool for lobbying to misinformed African politicians June 11, 2015, by Melanie Nathan This month by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) countering the notions that underpin homophobia and the criminalization of LGBTI people in Africa and the impact on HIV. Eleven respected experts, mostly academic scientists based in South Africa, authored … More Breakthrough African Academic Report Shows Basis for Anti-Homosexuality Laws Fail Science

Groundbreaking AMA Resolution No Medically Valid Reason for Military’s Transgender Ban

June 8, 2015

Groundbreaking Resolution Reflects Consensus that Policy is Outdated While Dismissing Military’s Rationale for Transgender Exclusion By Melanie Nathan,  June 09, 2015. The American Medical Association (AMA), the nation’s oldest and largest physicians group with nearly 220,000 members, made history today by passing a resolution declaring that “there is no medically valid reason to exclude transgender … More Groundbreaking AMA Resolution No Medically Valid Reason for Military’s Transgender Ban

TLDEF Memorial Day Push for Pentagon to End Ban on Open Transgender Military Service

May 25, 2015

Posted By Melanie Nathan, May 25, 2015. As the nation commemorates Memorial Day, the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) honors the transgender men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty and renews its call for the Defense Department to allow transgender people to serve openly in the United States … More TLDEF Memorial Day Push for Pentagon to End Ban on Open Transgender Military Service

New York Attorney General Launches Transgender Medical Care Initiative

May 18, 2015

TLDEF Applauds New York Attorney General on Initiative to Ensure Equal Access to Medical Care for Transgender People By Melanie Nathan, May 18, 2015. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund commends New York Attorney General General Eric T. Schneiderman for launching a new initiative to ensure that transgender New Yorkers have equal … More New York Attorney General Launches Transgender Medical Care Initiative

President Obama and US Organizations Commemorate IDAHOT May 17

May 17, 2015

May 17, 2015, Posted by OblogdeeOblogda, IDAHOT was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally. In under a decade, it has established itself as an important annual occasion celebrated in more than 130 countries, with 1600 events reported from 1280 organizations in 2014. AFRICAN HRC: Today, … More President Obama and US Organizations Commemorate IDAHOT May 17

Landmark Case Settled by DMV where Transgender Teen Forced to Remove Makeup

April 22, 2015

Landmark Federal Lawsuit Against South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles By Melanie Nathan, April 22, 2015. SC DMV Agrees to Allow Teen to Retake License Photo Wearing Makeup, Apologize, and Change Policy to Ensure that Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People Will Be Treated Fairly and Respectfully. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) announces … More Landmark Case Settled by DMV where Transgender Teen Forced to Remove Makeup

TLDEF Applauds EEOC Ruling Affirming Right to Bathroom Access For Transgender People

April 9, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, April 09, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) strongly commends a ruling by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) which found that the Army discriminated against a transgender civilian employee when it required her to use a single-user restroom at work and reprimanded her for using the women’s restroom when … More TLDEF Applauds EEOC Ruling Affirming Right to Bathroom Access For Transgender People

Anti-Transgender Petition Drive in Houston Fails

April 8, 2015

Posted By Melanie Nathan, April 08, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) responded to news that a Houston petition drive aimed at removing protections for transgender people in the city had failed. Houston Mayor Annise Parker announced late yesterday that the group spearheading the petition, Houstonians For Family Values, had failed to collect … More Anti-Transgender Petition Drive in Houston Fails

Houston Petition Aims to Dismantle Transgender Protections

April 7, 2015

TLDEF Condemns Petition Effort in Houston Aimed at Dismantling Transgender Protections  Posted by Melanie Nathan, April 07, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) denounces a petition drive in Houston aimed at removing current protections for transgender people and banning future protections. The petition, spearheaded byHoustonians For Family Values, seeks to amend Houston’s city … More Houston Petition Aims to Dismantle Transgender Protections

Justice Department’s Historic Action on Transgender Inmate Rights

April 6, 2015

TLDEF Applauds Justice Department’s Historic Action Supporting Transgender Inmate Right To Hormone Treatment Posted by Melanie Nathan, April 6, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) responded to news that the United States Department of Justice has filed a brief supporting a transgender prisoner’s right to hormone treatment in her federal case against the Georgia … More Justice Department’s Historic Action on Transgender Inmate Rights

Nevada Bill that Discriminates against Transgender Students Condemned

March 26, 2015

Posted By Melanie Nathan, March 26, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) denounces a Nevada bill singling out transgender students for discrimination. Introduced by state lawmaker Vicki Dooling, Assembly Bill 375 would prohibit transgender students in public schools from using bathrooms and locker rooms that match who they are as boys and girls. The … More Nevada Bill that Discriminates against Transgender Students Condemned

Victory as Connecticut Lifts Medicaid Ban on Transgender Health Care

March 25, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, March 25, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) applauds the state of Connecticut for making transition-related health care available through its Medicaid program. Connecticut becomes the 7th jurisdiction to expand Medicaid coverage for transgender health care. Yesterday, Connecticut’s Legislative Regulation Review Committee approved a regulation that repeals the … More Victory as Connecticut Lifts Medicaid Ban on Transgender Health Care

Kentucky Bill Targeting Transgender Students for Discrimination Fails to Pass

March 25, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, March 25, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) responded to news that the Kentucky Legislature had failed to pass legislation that targeted transgender students for discrimination. Introduced by Kentucky State Senator CB Embry, Jr., the bill would have barred transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that … More Kentucky Bill Targeting Transgender Students for Discrimination Fails to Pass

Victory as New York State Lifts Medicaid Ban on Transgender Health Care

March 19, 2015

Final Step in Process Ensures Transgender New Yorkers Have Access to Medically Necessary Care Posted by Melanie Nathan, March 19, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) applauds news that transgender New Yorkers covered by Medicaid can now access the medically necessary health care they have been denied for nearly two decades. Governor … More Victory as New York State Lifts Medicaid Ban on Transgender Health Care

Proposed Texas Legislation Attacks Transgender People

March 13, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, March 13, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) strongly denounces new proposed legislation in Texas that singles out transgender people for harsh discrimination. Introduced by Republican State Representative Gilbert Peña on March 10, House Bills 2801 and 2802 come on the heels of a string of bills targeting transgender people, including a prior … More Proposed Texas Legislation Attacks Transgender People

Condemnation of Minnesota Legislation as Harmful to Transgender Students

March 12, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, March 11, 2015. The Transgender Legal defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) denounces yet another attempt to target transgender students for discrimination, this time in Minnesota. Republican state lawmakers introduced identical bills in the Minnesota State House and Senate. HF 1456 and SF 1543 would deny transgender students the ability to play on sports teams … More Condemnation of Minnesota Legislation as Harmful to Transgender Students

HRC Calls in San Francisco Police for LGBT Castro Protest

January 31, 2015

Peaceful Protest attracts curious tourists, reporters and Castro community By Melanie Nathan, January 31, 2015. About 2 dozen LGBT activists from San Francisco and community members held a vigil outside the San Francisco Human Rights Campaign (HRC) souvenir store in the Castro today. The gathering, which took the form of a sidewalk noon brunch, outside … More HRC Calls in San Francisco Police for LGBT Castro Protest

New York State Acts to Remove Medicaid Ban on Transgender Health Care

December 16, 2014

Department of Health Proposes Regulation to Ensure Transgender New Yorkers Have Access to Certain Medically Necessary Care Posted by Melanie Nathan, Dec 16, 2014. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) commends Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health for proposing a new regulation to end … More New York State Acts to Remove Medicaid Ban on Transgender Health Care

New York City Council Votes to End Discriminatory Birth Certificate Policy

December 8, 2014

Passes Legislation Eliminating Surgery Requirement for Transgender People Seeking to Align Their Birth Certificates with Their True Selves | Action Comes After TLDEF Sues City for Discriminating Against Transgender People Posted by Melanie Nathan, Dec 08, 2014. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) applauds the New York City Council … More New York City Council Votes to End Discriminatory Birth Certificate Policy

Generals Call on Military to Comply with DOD Transgender Rules

November 26, 2014

Retired General and Flag Officers Call on Military Services to Comply with Recent Department Of Defense Rules Affecting Transgender Personnel Posted by Melanie Nathan, November 26, 2014. Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy, Major General Vance Coleman, and Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett, issued a joint statement today to accompany a new report showing that the Army, Air … More Generals Call on Military to Comply with DOD Transgender Rules

New York High Court Allows Retrial in Killing of Transgender Woman

November 24, 2014

Retrial on Hate Crime Charge in Killing of Lateisha Green Overturns Prior Conviction for Manslaughter As a Hate Crime as Inconsistent | Onondaga County District Attorney Can Resubmit Hate Crime Charge to Grand Jury for Retrial Posted by Melanie Nathan, November 24, 2014. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) … More New York High Court Allows Retrial in Killing of Transgender Woman

Inside the gay and transgender wing at the Los Angeles County jail

November 20, 2014

Transgender Remembrance Day By Melanie Nathan, November, 20, 2014. Today is Transgender Remembrance Day. It is the day we come together to remember violence perpetrated against the transgender community, so many brutally beaten, murdered and persecuted out of hate and fear of a difference which people do not understand. The latter no excuse, and a … More Inside the gay and transgender wing at the Los Angeles County jail

Transgender Woman Celebrates Win Against Discrimination and Harassment at Halfway House

September 4, 2014

Watch VIDEO | Lambda Legal and Transgender Woman Celebrate Successful Fight Against Discrimination and Harassment at Halfway House “It was like I have been living my life on mute, singing, screaming, and yelling and somebody finally pressed the mute button and someone heard me.” (Chicago, IL, September 4, 2014) – Today, Lambda Legal released a … More Transgender Woman Celebrates Win Against Discrimination and Harassment at Halfway House

Lambda Legal Sues Doctor and Clinic for Denying Medical Care to Transgender Woman

April 16, 2014

“Doctors receiving federal funds cannot discriminate in providing patient care just because a person is transgender.” (Urbana, IL, April 16, 2014) – Yesterday, in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Urbana Division, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of Naya Taylor, a transgender woman denied medical care after she … More Lambda Legal Sues Doctor and Clinic for Denying Medical Care to Transgender Woman

Transgender Women Win Legal Document Case

February 23, 2014

Transgender Women Can Obtain Legal Documents to Match Who they Are, After First Being Denied Under North Carolina Law By Melanie Nathan, February 23, 2014. New York, NY February 23 2014- The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund today announced favorable decisions for two transgender women seeking name changes in North Carolina. Síle Kelleher and Hadassah … More Transgender Women Win Legal Document Case