Barney on ENDA/GENDA
Go read Barney Frank's statement on the status of ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
The short summary: they're cutting transgender protection from ENDA. It doesn't have the votes. Congress will pass ENDA w/o trans protection, Bush will veto it. It'll become law with the next Democratic president, and then we'll work on amending it to add trans protection.
I understand how outraged members of the LGBTQ community, especially the T part, are over this. It's breaking my heart. But the votes aren't there, not yet. We'll keep educating, we'll keep standing up for our trans sisters and brothers, and dammit, we will get it passed. Eventually. Under another Congress. Sigh.
Barney, I know your heart is in the right place. Keep going, keep pushing. Nobody wants to swallow two bitter pills -- that politics is the art of the possible, and that the Best is the enemy of the Better-than-we've-got-now. Keep pushing, keep doing all you can.
2 comments:
Meaning no disrespect to my GLB brothers and sisters, my fear is that once they get the legal protections they need, all the urgency will go out of their campaigning for the rights of transgender people. There are so few of us, and we're so often powerless, that we have little pull on our own, and more needs. Our association with the gay and lesbian rights movement is historical, but we really are different, and I can very easily see us being ditched when they get what they want.
You would not be saying this if the gays were excluding lesbians, now, would you?
Barney Frank is a proven transphobe. He is quoted on the Americans for Truth website. He does not want us. And apparently, we're expendable to you, too.
Gay and lesbian hatred and indifference of transpeople is legendary (Google "transhistory" and learn).
Further, you are arguing that gay rights are special rights, and that you are comfortable with protection while your sisters are dying. Visit www.gender.org/remember and learn.
I find your position morally bankrupt, and I see you as an ally I'm better off without. Enjoy your rights...and try not to think about the people you sold out.
Sleep well.
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