SQUADRON, GOTTFRIED TO HOST PUBLIC FORUM ON GENDA

Forum Will Bring Together Transgender New Yorkers, Law Enforcement, Advocates to Discuss Obstacles to Equality and Legislation to Prohibit Discrimination

NEW YORK – On Wednesday, October 24th, State Senator Daniel Squadron and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried -- the sponsors of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) -- will host a public forum on the challenges faced by transgender New Yorkers and pending legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

The forum will bring together transgender New Yorkers, law enforcement, advocates, and public officials from around the state to testify on the obstacles to equality faced by many transgender individuals, and the potential impact of the Squadron-Gottfried legislation. It will be livestreamed at http://tiny.cc/GENDAForumLive. Viewers can Tweet questions with the hashtag #GENDA or email them to GENDAforum@gmail.com.

It is legal in New York for a person to lose their job or be evicted from their home because of their gender identity (except where local anti-discrimination laws have been enacted). GENDA would prohibit discrimination against transgender New Yorkers when it comes to housing, employment, credit, and public accommodations, while expanding New York’s hate crime laws to include crimes against transgender individuals.

GENDA has passed the Assembly five times, but has remained stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate.

WHAT: Public Forum on GENDA and Transgender Equality in New York 

WHO: Senator Daniel Squadron, Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, transgender New Yorkers, law enforcement, advocates, public officials

WHEN: Wednesday, October 24 -- 11:30am to 1:30pm

WHERE: Senate Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, Manhattan

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