RESOURCE PAGE: GENDA AND TRANSGENDER EQUALITY IN NEW YORK

Daniel L. Squadron

October 23, 2012

On October 24th, State Senator Daniel Squadron and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried -- the sponsors of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) -- hosted a public forum on pending legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and break down barriers to equality.

Video of the entire forum is available below and at this link. Video of law enforcement's testimony is available here.

The forum brought together transgender New Yorkers and their families, 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 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 (S.6349/Squadron - A.5039/Gottfried) 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.

The following is a collection of testimony and resources provided by the forum's participating individuals and organizations.

VIDEO: GENDA Public Forum from Daniel Squadron on Vimeo.

Personal Testimony:

Senator Tom Duane

Melissa Sklarz

Rex Butt

Empire State Pride Agenda:

Testimony: GENDA Forum, October 24, 2012

Reports and Resources

GENDA Q&A

NY Labor Support for GENDA

NY Women's Organizations Support for GENDA