“To this day, transgender people
face formidable barriers in employment, housing, health, education, and
other areas. And to end the ongoing violence and discrimination
transgender people experience, we need everyone’s
help and support,” said Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan, Trans/Gender
Non-Confirming Justice Project Director, National LGBTQ Task Force
Action Fund who attended today’s press conference that launched the task
force. “We’re elated to see the formation of the Congressional
Transgender Equality Task Force. We thank the LGBTQ Equality Caucus for
their ongoing efforts to advance legislation that extends critical
protections to LGBTQ people.”
The new Congressional
Transgender Equality Task Force will work to develop legislation and
other initiatives to ensure that transgender people have equal access
and treatment under the law. Members of the Congressional
Transgender Equality Task Force also include Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-5),
Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3), Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Rep.
Chris Van Hollen (MD-8), Rep. Joe Kennedy (MA-4), and Rep. Bonnie Watson
Coleman (NJ-12).
“This week, as we seek to raise
awareness of the issues facing the trans community, it is important to
renew our commitment to help trans individuals be free of the fear of
violence or bullying just for being who they
are,” said Representative Honda. “It is my hope that by launching this
workforce and holding a first-ever forum, we will reach some of my
colleagues and encourage them to stand with the trans community. It is
only through social change that we can truly elevate
the conversation in this country and reach a place of true
understanding and embrace all people for who they are.”