keys to transgender inclusion
Recognize the Diversity of the Transgender Community Not all transgender inclusive programs will be of interest to all transgender people and that’s fine. It is important to realize that within the community there are different types of people under “transgender umbrella.” We advocate for incorporating as many people as possible and setting a welcoming, inclusive tone to all of your programs. Occasionally people will want to draw a distinction between those who have had gender reassignment surgery (“post-op”) and those who have not (“pre-op” or “non-op”). Unless there is a very specific programmatic need for it (such as a support group for people considering surgery), this is not helpful. In almost every case, surgical status should be a private matter between individuals and their health care providers, unless they choose to reveal that information. In no circumstances should surgical status be the basis for receiving civil rights, having access to safe restroom facilities or being allowed to participate in the life of an organization. It is also important to be aware that there is a diversity of opinion about and experience of drag queens and kings within the transgender community. Drag is sometimes integral to a person’s gender identity and sometimes not. Gender conforming people perform drag in addition to transgender people. Although the majority of performers are exploring or deconstructing femininity or masculinity in a way that challenges or enlarges our ideas about rigid gender stereotypes, some drag performers depict women or transgender people in demeaning ways. Talented drag performers can point out the irony of our gender-divided society and provide us with a way to reconsider or laugh at the challenges it presents us. Drag is part of our historical tradition as LGBT people and can be a vital part of our organizations. It is at its best when it brings affirmation to us, without putting down other members of the community.
Transitioning Our Shelters A Guide To Making Homeless Shelters Safe For Transgender People Recognizing the need for advocacy for transgender people who are disproportionately homeless, the Task Force partnered with the National Coalition for the Homeless to produce the resource, Transitioning Our Shelters: A Guide To Making Homeless Shelters Safe for Transgender People. The guide is an example of a transgender-specific resource that was needed to address a serious problem that faces transgender people more than lesbian, gay and bisexual people. The guide is available for free at: http://www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/reports/ TransitioningOurShelters.pdf
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