GENDA Campaign

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The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) (A.5710/Gottfried)(S.2406/Duane) is a bill that would outlaw discrimination in New York State based on gender identity and/or expression. Currently it is legal in New York to be fired from your job, kicked out of your home or be denied credit or public accommodations (like service in a restaurant) simply for being transgender. GENDA also expands the state’s hate crimes law to explicitly include crimes against transgender people.

Transgender New Yorkers face severe discrimination. For example, a report released this year by the Empire State Pride Agenda showed that: 20.7% of transgender New Yorkers have incomes under $10,000 a year; 28.4% have experienced a serious physical or sexual assault motivated by transphobic or homophobic violence; and fully one-third are or have been homeless at one time.

Governor Paterson has issued an Executive Order barring discrimination based on gender identity and expression for NYS employees, and the NYS Assembly passed GENDA on March 2nd for the 3rd time. We still have work to do to get GENDA signed into law this year in order to ensure that ALL New Yorkers are protected from discrimination.

Take these steps to help us win GENDA:

1. Find out how to get involved at our 2010 Election Center! One of the most important ways we can act as advocates this year is to ensure that there is a pro-LGBT majority in the New York State Senate. Read about our endorsements and then help us elect representatives who are in support of transgender rights.

2. Sign up for our Action Alert system so we can let you know when you need to act immediately and push to bring this bill to a vote in the Senate. Sign up now to make sure you hear from us when it’s time to act!

3. Check out our Program Calendar to find out what events are happening around the state to support the GENDA Campaign. Volunteer to sign up supporters of GENDA in Buffalo, Rochester and Long Island. Join a local IMPACT Team.

4. Get everyone you know who supports GENDA to take action now. If you attend groups, meetings or events that have transgender rights advocates, encourage them to get involved with the GENDA Campaign. You could plan an event at your congregation, social club or union hall where you can educate about the need for GENDA and get your attendees to take the latest action in the GENDA Campaign.

5. Trans-act for GENDA. We need your help to continue to fight for GENDA. Every little bit counts!

6. Contact Ejay Carter (ecarter@prideagenda.org or 518-472-3330 ext. 306) to find out how to get more closely involved, and get added to the campaign listserv and kept up to date on the latest calls to action.

GENDA Resources

Read “Trans Experiences: Why GENDA is Necessary in New York State.” This resource tells the stories of six transgender New Yorkers from across the state that demonstrate the need for stronger protections and for increased education on the widespread discrimination they face.
Help combat some common misconceptions about GENDA with our report on “Transgender Issues in the Workplace." Did you know that 30 New York-based Fortune 500 firms already have gender identity non-discrimination policies?
Address fear-mongering around transgender civil rights with our "GENDA Myths Busted: Gender Segregated Facilities" tool.
Check out the strong Union support for GENDA including a resolution passed by the New York State AFL-CIO, representing 2.1 million workers in New York.
Ask the clergy or lay leaders in your congregation to join the 547 faith leaders who have signed up in support of GENDA. Contact Kate J. McDonough to find out more at kmcdonough@prideagenda.org.
Read our Answers to Common Questions: Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act.
Learn more about Legislation and Other Government Action on GENDA, and take a look at our public GENDA scorecard (updated 05/2009) to see where your Senator stood as of May 2009.