We need your help to pass GENDA in 2010! Click here to sign up for our latest updates on the GENDA campaign.
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.
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.
Recently, Governor Paterson issued an Executive Order barring discrimination based on gender identity and expression for NYS employees. However, we still need your help to pass GENDA so all New Yorkers can be protected from discrimination. GENDA has already passed twice with bipartisan support in the State Assembly. We need you to be prepared to take action in our community’s next unified effort to push this necessary bill onto the Senate floor for a vote!
Take these steps to help us win GENDA:
1. 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! Already signed up? Great! Now tell a friend!
2. Call Senator Tom Duane and your own State Senator and ask them to bring GENDA to the floor for a vote. Click here for their contact information and talking points.
3. Get everyone you know who supports GENDA to take action now. If you attend groups, meetings or events that have transgender rights advocates, click here for letter text you can use. Print copies and get GENDA supporters to sign and then return the letters to Ejay Carter, so they can be added to the hundreds we will be delivering during a strategic moment in the campaign. Here is the address to mail the letters to:
Ejay Carter
Empire State Pride Agenda
99 Washington Avenue
Suite 805
Albany, NY 12260
Think outside the box: 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 sign letters or take the latest action in the GENDA Campaign.
4. Contact Ejay Carter(ecarter@prideagenda.org or 518-472-3330 ext. 306) to be added to the campaign listserv and kept up to date on the latest calls to action.
5. Trans-act for GENDA. We need your help to continue to fight for GENDA. Every little bit counts! Click here to donate.
GENDA Resources