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Transgender men and women don't get the same amount of protection compared to everyone else.They are living on the streets because they were refused a home, or they don't get as much money as they should.Those are just two of many things that we should change.

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President Obama's directive followed a controversial bill that had been passed in North Carolina in March 2016. The Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, commonly referred to as House Bill 2 or HB2, required individuals to use the restroom that corresponds to the sex on their birth certificate when in government buildings, including schools.

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Transgender people have always been looked down on. They don't get the job promotions or they don't get paid enough, sometimes  they would even get fired for being trans. The way they are being treated isn't right.

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"I was the mystery of an anatomy, a question asked but not answered, tightroping between awkward boy and apologetic girl," says slam poet and TED fellow Lee Mokobe, in a poem that describes the piercing reality of what it's like to be a transgender person. For many trans youths, coming to terms with their gender identity is a long, exhausting journey. "My gender impacted my life in very negative ways from early childhood till the point when I finally came to terms with my internal conflicts," says Brynn Kellett, a U.S Army veteran who lives in Washington. Sometimes, children as young as three can show early signs of gender identity issues, say experts.

So what happens once they acknowledge and embrace their gender identity? Numerous other obstacles await them. Battles that they did not choose but are forced to fight. Hatred, harassment, systemic discrimination, and violence, to name a few.

Last year, over 20 trans people were killed in the U.S alone. Additionally, according to a 2018 research, the United States is one of the few western countries that are still most likely to believe that trans people have a mental illness. Also, one in three Americans believe that transgender people are committing a sin, the same survey revealed.

"There are people who wish I didn't exist," says Jordan, an employee at LUSH Cosmetics.

Welcome to 2018, where cars are being launched into space and drones have become fashion models; but a community's dream of living without fear is yet to become a reality.

Even though the transgender rights movement is gaining substantial support worldwide, their unflagging struggle to attain basic human rights is far from over. Let's take a closer look:

Harassment in schools: According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), nearly 80% of trans people reported that they were harassed while 35% said that they were physically assaulted at school. "I was often mocked for being feminine and 'weak.' I was called names and subjected to physical and emotional traumas," tells Kellett. She figured that the only way to get the bullies off her back was to become "hyper-masculine." Alex Bertie had a similar harrowing experience in school. "I was severely bullied because I looked and acted different from the girls," says the UK-based YouTuber. That period "was so frustrating because I couldn't be myself, so I'd hide away whenever I could," he says. "This has definitely affected who I am as a young adult, as I really struggle with social situations. I'm a very shy, nervous person and I think this is because of what happened in school," adds Bertie.

Employment discrimination: Even in the professional realm, the picture is far from rosy. In the U.S, the transgender unemployment rate is three times higher than the national average, states the Out & Equal Workplace Advocates' 2017 report. The same report also adds that there's no state-level gender identity protection in 30 of the 50 U.S states. This means that transgender employees can be fired in these states just because of their gender identity. Meanwhile, according to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), almost all of the respondents (90%) reported experiencing harassment, mistreatment or discrimination on the job or took actions like hiding their gender identity to avoid it. In Europe, more than one in three (37%) trans people felt discriminated against because of their gender identity while looking for a job, says a European Union Agency For Fundamental Rights (FRA) research. In addition, a quarter reported discrimination at work, the same study revealed.

Systemic discrimination: Even though the visibility of trans people is gradually increasing, people in the community still face discrimination from health care providers, housing agencies, and local authorities. "Aggression from neighbors and others and rejection by their own families make transgender people, especially the young, more vulnerable to homelessness," says Clémence Zamora-Cruz, spokesperson for France's Inter-LGBT and member of Transgender Europe's steering committee. "Trans youth face widespread job and housing discrimination. They are denied access to medically recommended healthcare and counseling" as well, says Fight For The Future's Campaign Director, Evan Greer. According to the U.S NTDS, one-fifth of transgender Americans said they'd been homeless at some point. More than half reported being harassed at a homeless shelter by residents and staff and nearly a quarter said they were sexually assaulted. The same survey of 6,450 participants also found that 28% of respondents had been harassed in a medical setting. Furthermore, 19% were refused care due to their gender status, with higher numbers among people of color. Meanwhile, in Asian countries, the vast majority of transgender people cannot obtain any official identification documents that reflect their gender identity. Instead, their listed sex and/or gender is based on the individual's sex assigned at birth, states the 2017 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) report. The discrimination that trans people face "is exacerbated when they are required to use an identity document that does not match their gender identity or gender expression." Consequently, they face exclusion from "school, vital health services, employment and housing, and from receiving access to social assistance and private banking, credit or mortgage facilities," adds the multi-national review. "In Europe, transgender people face widespread discrimination. This takes a variety of forms, including difficulties in getting access to work and housing and healthcare services," says Cruz.

Hate crimes: "Transgender people are also frequent targets of hate speech, hate crime, bullying and physical and psychological violence," says the Inter-LGBT spokesperson. Between 2008 and 2016, there have been over 2,000 reported murder cases in 65 countries across the globe, states The Trans Murder Monitoring Project report. In the U.S, at least 25 transgender people were killed in 2017. This is more than during any other recorded year in the last decade. More than 80% of murdered transgender people in the U.S. are trans women of color, notes the 2017 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC) report. "This increase in violence is "fueled by anti-LGBTQ prejudice, racism, too-easy access to guns, and increasing political attacks on the transgender community at both the state and federal level," the report points out.

How To Support Trans Youth
Routinely confronted by stigma and exclusion, it's unsurprising that trans people are nine times more likely to attempt suicide as compared to the general population. "High rates of suicide attempts and self-harm often stem from being rejected or not being supported," says Dr. Randi Kaufman, a New York-based Psychologist who specializes in gender identity and sexual orientation issues.

In a study conducted by the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 30% of transgender youth reported a history of at least one suicide attempt, and nearly 42% reported that they had attempted self-harm.

"When you have a generation of kids growing up in a world that tells them they are wrong to be themselves, it's no wonder that they resort to self-harm. In reality, it's not transgender kids who are wrong, it's us who have failed them," says Evan Greer.

According to the National Center for Transgender Equality research, trans people with supportive families are far less likely to attempt suicide, be homeless or experience major psychological distress than those who lack family support.

" Everyone has a gender identity and a gender journey. Everyone gets to figure out their own gender identity, and we need to be curious, open and respectful to what kids and teens say about their gender. Parents should follow their child's lead. They should take what their child says seriously, and not assume it is a 'phase,'" says Dr. Kaufman.

"It is important that they educate themselves about gender. Attend conferences, read books, watch documentaries and get professional help, if needed. Support groups with other parents of transgender children are also extremely helpful," she says.

"Unconditional love from parents is the key," says Boris Dittrich, Advocacy Director of LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Watch, Berlin. "In school settings, it is important that transphobic bullying is addressed," adds Dittrich.

"Teachers and schools should also educate themselves. It can be very helpful to have a professional experienced with gender identity train the teachers and staff about how best to support a transgender child, as well as how to educate other students," says Dr. Kaufman

"If a child wants to go by a different name in school, even if it hasn't been legally changed, they should honor that. It is critical to figure out what bathroom and locker room a child can use, according to the child's gender identity," she suggests. Other than that, "teachers should learn not to use gender to organize the class. Rather than saying boys and girls, say, students," the psychologist explains.
Being A Transgender Person Is Not A "Trend"
Educating the public is crucial to combat transphobia. "Awareness is the key to fostering understanding and gaining general acceptance," notes Brynn Kellett.

"There's a lot of misinformation floating around in tabloid newspapers and dark parts of the internet trying to make us out to be freaks when in reality we're just normal people trying to live happy lives," says English YouTuber Alex Bertie.

One of the most common misconceptions is that "all trans people look like Caitlyn Jenner," says Austen Hartke, creator of the YouTube series Transgender and Christian and author of Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians.

"Historically, trans women have been more visible in media, though they're usually not portrayed accurately or positively," he says. They are often "characterized as 'men in dresses'- as people who are dangerous to other women and to children. As a matter of fact, it's trans women themselves who face the most physical danger in restrooms," explains the author.

Another misbelief, Hartke notes, is that being a transgender person has become a trend. "Some people think that we're seeing more trans youth come out these days because they're following a fad. In reality, what we're seeing is an increasing number of parents and family members who are listening to their kids when they talk about their gender, as opposed to generations past when we told kids to keep quiet and conform to stereotypes about what it meant to be a girl or a boy."

"Also, not all transgender people are depressed and lead terrible lives. So many of us are joyful and thriving," he adds.
Need To Rethink Gender
Furthermore, we need to do away with gender binarism and rethink gender as a spectrum, or a continuum. "People present their genders in all sorts of ways. There are feminine men, masculine women, and people who are neither or both. Rigid gender roles are one of the most destructive forces in our society," Evan Greer of Fight For The Future points out.

" Gender liberation helps everyone, not just transgender people. Part of our goal is to break down the myth that men and women must adhere to rigid, distinct, stereotypical roles. Our movement is about allowing everyone to express themselves freely and safely," says Andrea James, a transgender rights activist, producer and director. James has directed the short film Transproofed that explores transgender dating and disclosure. She has also worked with Tinder to make dating apps transgender friendly.
Trans-Inclusive Policy Considerations
"I think we have to begin at the beginning--we have to start with just keeping trans people alive. We have to stop the epidemic of trans murders that has been steadily increasing for the past six years, and that may mean introducing proactive legislation that protects trans people," says Austen Hartke.

In addition, policymakers can take notes from countries like Argentina, Denmark and Germany. Argentina and Denmark's self-determination gender identity law allows legal gender recognition for all transgender people over the age of 18, solely based on their self-determination. Meanwhile, Germany officially recognizes a "third gender" category even in birth certificates. If a child shows both male and female characteristics, parents can mark his or her birth certificate with an "X," for undetermined gender. "The law gives the possibility for intersex children to decide their gender identity once they reach an adult age, and not to be labeled male or female at birth without their will," states a Mic report.

Also, "audit existing and proposed laws, regulations and policies, including those that make distinctions based on a person's sex or gender, to ensure that they do not discriminate against transgender people," proposes the Legal Gender Recognition report by the UNDP and APTN.

In case of health facilities, "healthcare professionals should educate themselves on transgender people and how best to serve them," says Dr. Randi Kaufman. She suggests that they can "attend conferences, consult with colleagues experienced in transgender healthcare, read books on the subject, etc.

"I personally would love to see laws about bathroom use change for the better," says LUSH employee Jordan. "Even if it's something as simple as every public location having a few gender neutral washrooms for trans people," he adds. Jordan, like many other trans people. faces the nagging problem of using unisex public washrooms. "If I go out, I need to plan the whole day beforehand so I don't drink too much water," he explains.

Meanwhile, Alex Bertie notes that schools need to introduce trans education into their curriculum." Giving children the vocabulary and the knowledge around trans issues would help them grow into more accepting people," he says.

Other than that, there's a need to see more transgender awareness in the media. "I think it's important to realize that trans people are only human, and a huge part of that is humanizing us in the media, says Jordan.
How You Can Be A Trans Ally
It's important to remember that "not tolerance, but acceptance is the ultimate goal," says Human Right Watch's Boris Dittrich. Here are a few quick tips you can learn to be a better trans ally:

If you don't know what pronouns to use, don't be afraid to ask. "Most people will appreciate that and you'll be less likely to misgender a person," tells Dr. Kaufman.

Don't ask a transgender person what their "real name" is.

"Avoid using terms like "sex change," "pre-op," "post-op," or any questions related to someone's surgical status. It's as rude as asking any person about their genitalia," tells Andrea James.

Challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes in public spaces, including LGB spaces.

"Contact your representative to speak out against the anti-trans bills on the table currently in 21 states," suggests Austen Hartke.

Support all-gender public washrooms.

Support trans rights organizations like the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, GLSEN and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project.

Be careful about confidentiality and disclosure. "You should never out someone as trans. Sometimes, people forget that being trans is something a person chooses to share about themselves," says Jordan.

"Also, never ask about our sex lives or what surgeries we have had. It's uncomfortable and really personal," he says.

Lastly, "advocate for transgender inclusion in faith communities," says Hartke.

If you want to learn more about how to become an ally for transgender people, check out this handy guide by GLAAD.

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Trans Rights: Americans Still Divided On Gender Identity

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"I was the mystery of an anatomy, a question asked but not answered, tightroping between awkward boy and apologetic girl," says slam poet and TED fellow Lee Mokobe, in a poem that describes the piercing reality of what it's like to be a transgender person.

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Despite all the pro’s for surgery there are many flaws to this surgery. It is understandable that sex reassignment surgery is extremely dangerous. People have regretted it and wish they could go back. It is also a brutal and cruel recovery from the surgery.

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Although sex-reassignment surgery has become the standard treatment for individuals with "gender dysphoria" who believe they were born in the wrong bodies, there is no real scientific evidence that such a radical step is effective in eliminating internal conflict and gender confusion. Surgery cannot biologically change a man into a woman or vice versa.

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Sex reassignment surgery is something that is very therapeutic for transitioning transgender people. Transgender people should be able to look how they feel, just like how other people do.

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Sex-Reassignment Surgery Is a Medical Necessity

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Transgender People, edited by Tamara Thompson, Greenhaven Press, 2015. At Issue. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, http%3A%2F%2Flink.galegroup.com%2Fapps%2Fdoc%2FEJ3010712223%2FOVIC%3Fu%3Dpl2683%26sid%3DOVIC%26xid%3Da854ffba. Accessed 5 Mar. 2019. Originally published as "Professional Organization Statements Supporting Transgender People in Health Care," lambdalegal.org, 8 June 2012.

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The Transgender Community (Credible Source #2)

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The Transgender Community (Credible Source #2)

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The transgender community has always been the group of people that are different. They have been harassed, abused, or bullied for being trans. They don't get the same respect as everyone else and that's something that should definitely change.

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The word "transgender" - or trans - is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to us at birth. Although the word "transgender" and our modern definition of it only came into use in the late 20th century, people who would fit under this definition have existed in every culture throughout recorded history.

Alongside the increased visibility of trans celebrities like Laverne Cox, Jazz Jennings or the stars of the hit Netflix series "Pose," three out of every ten adults in the U.S. personally knows someone who is trans. As trans people become more visible, we aim to increase understanding of our community among our friends, families, and society.
What does it mean to be trans?
What challenges do trans people face?
The trans community is incredibly diverse. Some trans people identify as trans men or trans women, while others may describe themselves as non-binary, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, agender, bigender or other identities that reflect their personal experience. Some of us take hormones or have surgery as part of our transition, while others may change our pronouns or appearance. Roughly three-quarters of trans youth that responded to an HRC Foundation and University of Connecticut survey identified with terms other than strictly "boy" or "girl." This suggests that a larger portion of this generation's youth are identifying somewhere on the broad trans spectrum.

While trans people are increasingly visible in both popular culture and in daily life, we still face severe discrimination, stigma and systemic inequality. Some of the specific issues facing the trans community are:

Lack of legal protection- Trans people face a legal system that often does not protect us from discrimination based on our gender identity. Despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision that makes it clear that trans people are legally protected from discrimination in the workplace, there is still no comprehensive federal non-discrimination law that includes gender identity - which means trans people may still lack recourse if we face discrimination when we're seeking housing or dining in a restaurant. Moreover, state legislatures across the country are debating - and in some cases passing - legislation specifically designed to prohibit trans people from accessing public bathrooms that correspond with our gender identity, or creating exemptions based on religious beliefs that would allow discrimination against LGBTQ people.

Poverty- Trans people live in poverty at elevated rates, and for trans people of color, these rates are even higher. Around 29% of trans adults live in poverty, as well 39% of Black trans adults, 48% of Latinx trans adults and 35% of Alaska Native, Asian, Native Americans and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander trans adults.

Stigma, Harassment and Discrimination - About half a decade ago, only one-quarter of people in the United States supported trans rights, and support increased to 62% by the year 2019. Despite this progress, the trans community still faces considerable stigma due to more than a century of being characterized as mentally ill, socially deviant and sexually predatory. While these intolerant views have faded in recent years for lesbians and gay men, trans people are often still ridiculed by a society that does not understand us. This stigma plays out in a variety of contexts - from lawmakers who leverage anti-trans stigma to score cheap political points; to family, friends or coworkers who reject trans people upon learning about our trans identities; and to people who harass, bully and commit serious violence against trans people. This includes stigma that prevents them from accessing necessary services for their survival and well-being. Only 30% of women's shelters are willing to house trans women. While recent legal progress has been made, 27% of trans people have been fired, not hired or denied a promotion due to their trans identity. Too often, harassment has led trans people to avoid exercising their most basic rights to vote. HRC Foundation's research shows that 49% of trans adults, and 55% of trans adults of color said they were unable to vote in at least one election in their life because of fear of or experiencing discrimination at the polls.

Violence Against Trans People- Trans people experience violence at rates far greater than the average person. Over a majority (54%) of trans people have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, 47% have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime and nearly one in ten were physically assaulted in between 2014 and 2015. This type of violence can be fatal. At least 27 trans and gender non-conforming people have been violently killed in 2020 thus far, the same number of fatalities observed in 2019.

Lack of Healthcare Coverage- An HRC Foundation analysis found that 22% of trans people and 32% of trans people of color have no health insurance coverage. More than one-quarter (29%) of trans adults have been refused health care by a doctor or provider because of their gender identity. This sobering data reveals a healthcare system that fails to meet the needs of the trans community.

Identity Documents - The widespread lack of accurate identity documents among trans people can have an impact on every aspect of their lives, including access to emergency housing or other public services. Without identification, one cannot travel, register for school or access many services that are essential to function in society. Many states do not allow trans people to update their identification documents to match their gender identity. Others require evidence of medical transition - which can be prohibitively expensive and is not something that all trans people want - as well as fees for processing new identity documents, which may make them unaffordable for some members of the trans community.

While advocates continue working to remedy these disparities, change cannot come too soon for trans people. Visibility - especially positive images of trans people in the media and society - continues to make a critical difference for us; but visibility is not enough and can come with real risks to our safety, especially for those of us who are part of other marginalized communities. That is why the Human Rights Campaign is committed to continuing to support and advocate for the trans community, so that the trans Americans who are and will become your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members have an equal chance to succeed and thrive.

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The word "transgender" - or trans - is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to us at birth. Although the word "transgender" and our modern definition of it only came into use in the late 20th century, people who would fit under this definition have existed in every culture throughout recorded history.

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A lot of people around the world   are transgender. They have received so much hate and discrimination, but they still try and gain acceptance from the people that don't accept them. All they want to do is have peace with everyone and just be normal for once.

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This guide is designed to help transgender individuals understand their legal rights in Washington State.
It is not meant to provide legal advice.
The current legal system assumes individuals identify as one gender, either male or female. While this guide provides an understanding of the current legal system, the ACLU recognizes that many people do not identify as male or female. A person may identify or express as a specific gender, both genders, or neither gender.

June 2018

DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT

Are there laws that clearly prohibit discrimination against transgender people?

Yes. Our state anti-discrimination law, known as the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), clearly prohibits discrimination because of "gender expression or identity."

The WLAD protects people from discrimination based on gender expression or actual or perceived gender identity. This protection includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

Places of public accommodation (i.e., places that serve the public), including restaurants, hotels, and public schools;

Housing, including the renting, buying, and selling of homes;

Employment, specifically in state, municipal, and private workplaces with eight or more employees;

Credit transactions, including loans and credit cards; and

Insurance transactions, including health insurance.

Washington law also protects people from:

Violence and threats motivated by gender expression or actual or perceived gender identity, and

Student-on-student harassment, intimidation, and bullying motivated by gender expression or actual or perceived gender identity in public schools.

Further, at least five cities and one county in Washington have passed their own laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender expression or identity, including:

Burien (barring discrimination in places of public accommodation, housing, and employment):

Olympia (barring discrimination in housing);

Seattle (barring discrimination in places of public accommodation, housing, and employment);

Tacoma (barring discrimination in places of public accommodation, housing, employment, and education); and

King County (barring discrimination in places of public accommodation, housing, employment, and education).

Charged with enforcing the WLAD, the Washington State Human Rights Commission (HRC) works to prevent and eliminate discrimination by investigating civil rights complaints and providing education and training opportunities throughout Washington. For information on how to file a formal complaint with the HRC, call 1-800-233-3247 or visit www.hum.wa.gov
In 2009, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into federal law. This law allows the federal government toassist state and local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes motivated by bias against a person's gender identity or expression.

In addition, federal civil rights laws such as Title VII, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in employment, and Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs that receive federal funding, have been applied to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. However, the Trump administration has opposed the inclusion of gender identity under Title VII and has rescinded federal guidance that provided protections for transgender students under Title IX. The Trump administration's actions have not changed the underlying laws of Title VII and Title IX. (See page 3 for further discussion).

What does "gender expression or identity" mean under the law?

As defined under the WLAD, "gender expression or identity" means "having or being perceived as having a gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth." Under this definition, transgender individuals are protected by the WLAD from discrimination based on their transgender status.

Do laws prohibiting discrimination based on "sex" protect transgender people?

This field of law is rapidly changing under the Trump administration. The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals-whose jurisdiction includes Washington-has made clear that transgender people are protected from sexual harassment and discrimination based on their gender expression or identity under the federal Title VII law, which prohibits sex discrimination in employment.

During the Obama administration, federal agencies expanded protections for transgender people. However, the Trump administration has begun to rescind these protections. In 2012, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - the agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination provisions under Title VII - held that federal law prohibits discrimination against transgender employees. In 2014, the DOJ issued a memo stating that Title VII protects people from discrimination based on gender identity, including transgender status. However, in October 2017, DOJ rescinded the 2014 memo and issued a new memo, which found that Title VII's prohibition on sex discrimination does not encompass gender identity per se, including transgender status.

As of October 2017, the U.S. department of Labor (DOL) still lists gender identity as protected under Title VII. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) declared in 2012 that housing discrimination based on gender nonconformity violates the federal Fair Housing Act and adopted regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender expression or identity in federally-funded housing programs, single-sex emergency shelters, or other facilities.

This reversal represents a change in the executive branch's position, but not a change in Title IX law: the statute and its protections against sex discrimination still stand, and the extent of those protections will be subject to further litigation in the courts. The ACLU believes that schools continue to have a legal obligation to protect transgender students from harassment and discrimination under Title IX, despite the withdrawal of the Obama-era guidance.

Does the U.S. Constitution protect transgender people from discrimination?

Yes. In 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit became the first federal court to recognize that discrimination on the basis of transgender identity violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. In this ruling the court stated that sex discrimination encompasses discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court has not ruled on this issue, it is the ACLU's position that the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equality protects individuals from being treated differently (i.e., discriminated against or mistreated) because of their gender expression or identity. The First Amendment, which bars the government from censoring speech or expression, protects people's right to dress (an important form of personal expression) in a way that is consistent with their gender identity. And the Due Process Clause recognizes and protects individuals' interests in determining and expressing their gender through personal appearance and mannerisms.

If you are being harassed, intimidated, or bullied in school, keep a record of each incident and report them to your principal or counselor. To talk to someone outside of your school or to get more information on strategies to stop harassment, call the Safe Schools Coalition at 1-877-723-3723 or visit www.safeschoolscoalition.org
Does the law protect a transgender person's right to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity?

Yes. The WLAD specifically protects against discrimination in employment and places of public accommodation, including public schools, based on one's gender expression or identity. The Washington State Human Rights Commission (HRC)-the state agency responsible for enforcing the WLAD-issued regulations in 2015 clarifying that the WLAD protects the right of transgender individuals to use restrooms and other gender-segregated facilities consistent with their gender identity.

Additional support for the rights of transgender students in public schools to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity may be found in the Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)'s 2012 guidelines to school districts. These guidelines, which relate to the elimination of discrimination in public schools, state that school districts should allow students to use the restrooms consistent with their gender identity consistently asserted at school.33 The guidelines also state that any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy should be provided access to an alternative restroom, such as a staff or health office restroom, but that no student should be required to use an alternative restroom just because they are transgender or gender nonconforming.

Are there laws that specifically protect transgender students from discrimination?

Yes. Washington law protects transgender students in public schools from discrimination, intimidation, bullying, and harassment. Since provisions of the WLAD took effect in 2006, the nondiscrimination policies of Washington public schools have included gender expression and identity. In 2010, the Washington Legislature passed a law requiring that public school policies protect transgender students from bullying and harassment.

Additionally, the WLAD and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) require public school officials to allow transgender students to wear clothing that matches their gender identity (including at proms), call transgender students by the appropriate name and pronoun, provide transgender students with access to safe and appropriate restrooms and locker rooms (or appropriate alternative places in which to change for gym class), and accommodate transgender athletes. For transgender students participating in interscholastic athletics in public schools, OSPI regulations direct school districts to follow policies set forth by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which state that students should be allowed to participate in physical education and athletic activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity.

It is the ACLU's position that discrimination or harassment directed at transgender students in public schools may violate the Equal Protection Clause of the federal Constitution, under which we think schools should be held responsible for protecting transgender students from harassment on an equal basis with all other students; the First Amendment, which we think should protect the right of students to dress in accordance with their gender expression or identity; and the Due Process Clause, which we think should protect students' liberty interest in their personal appearance.

NAME & GENDER CHANGES ON IDENTITY DOCUMENTS

Can a person change their name to reflect their gender identity?

Yes. In Washington, any person over the age of 18 can choose and use any name they wish, as long as the purpose of the name change is not to commit fraud. Through what is called a "common law name change," a person may simply change their name by using a new name consistently and exclusively for all purposes. This method is free and easy. But because many government institutions require documentation proving that a valid name change has been made, it may not create the kind of solid paper trail needed to change important identifying documents.

The other way a person can change their name is by court order, which requires the filing of a Petition for Name Change by the requesting individual and the signing of an Order for Name Change by a judge. While the process is uniform across Washington counties, counties may charge different fee amounts for a name change. Low-income individuals, however, may qualify for a fee waiver. An individual must contact the District Court in the county where they reside in order to obtain the needed forms for a name change. After a Petition for Name Change has been filed, the court clerk will schedule a date when the person seeking the name change can appear before a judge or a court commissioner. Most judges will allow a name change as long as they are convinced that the purpose of the change is not to evade debts or the authorities. After the judge signs the Order, the individual must pay a recording fee to record the name change with the county auditor.

Can a person get their name and gender marker changed on their birth certificate?

Yes. To change the name on a birth certificate issued in Washington State, a person must submit to the Washington State Department of

Health (DOH):

A copy of the current birth certificate;

A certified copy of a name change court order;

A completed Court Order Legal Name Change Request Form (available for download on the Washington DOH website); and

A letter from the requestor stating the following information, as listed on the current birth certificate: name, date of birth, place of birth, and names of parents, and contact information.

For a minor to change the gender marker on their Washington State birth certificate, a parent or guardian must submit the application. In addition to the application, the parent or legal guardian must also submit a signed statement by the minor's licensed health care provider stating that the provider has determined that the change is consistent with the minor's identity. Parental authorization is also required for a minor to change their name on their birth certificate.

Name and gender marker changes may be requested together (a certified copy of a court-ordered name change is required in these cases). To obtain certified copies of the amended birth certificate, a person must also submit a personal check or money order of $20 for each certified copy, and either a completed Birth Certificate Mail Order Form or a certified copy of the birth certificate for replacement.

If the DOH denies the request to change gender designation, its decision can be appealed to a court.

Can a person change their name and gender marker with the Social Security Administration (SSA)?

Yes. To change their name, a person needs to provide proof of a court- ordered name change, U.S. citizenship, and identity.

As of June 2013, SSA no longer requires certification from a physician in order to update social security records to reflect a gender change. To change the gender marker on a social security card, a person may now submit to the SSA acceptable government-issued documentation reflecting a gender change, which includes a U.S. passport showing the correct gender, a birth certificate showing the correct gender, or a court order recognizing the correct gender. Alternatively, a person may also submit a signed letter from a licensed physician confirming that the person has had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition, which does not have to mean surgery.

Is it advisable to change one's name and gender with the SSA?

Yes. Ensuring that the SSA's record of one's gender is consistent with the gender marker on other identity documents will help avoid problems.

The risk of problems caused by not changing SSA records is particularly high in the context of employment. In the past, the SSA sometimes contacted an employer when it noticed that the personal information it had about a social security number (usually name, but sometimes gender) in its Social Security Number Verification System (SSNVS) did not match the information being reported by the employer. These so-called "No-Match" letters often ended up "outing" transgender employees at work. Though the SSA ended its policy of allowing employers to match the gender markers of employees with the SSNVS in 2011, some systems used by state government agencies still match gender markers against SSA records.

Additionally, the possibility that a federal identification card system will be developed increases the likelihood that, in the near future, a person's SSA gender marker will be considered the last word on the person's gender.

Can a person change their name and gender on their U.S. passport?

Yes. To change their name, a person must apply for a new passport by submitting to the U.S. Department of State a completed Form DS-5504, "Application for a U.S. Passport (Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement)," along with copy of a court-ordered name change. Procedures and costs vary depending on how long it has been since the person's last passport was issued. If more than one year has passed since one's passport was issued and one is eligible to renew by mail, one must submit a completed Form DS-82, a copy of a court-ordered name change, and appropriate fees.

To change the gender marker on one's passport, a person must apply for a new passport in person at a passport acceptance facility with a completed Form DS-11, appropriate fees, regularly required documents, and a medical certification indicating that the person has undergone the clinical treatment appropriate to facilitate gender transition, as certified by a licensed physician who is familiar with the person's transition-related treatment. Certification from the treating physician must include both the physician's license or certificate number, and the issuing state or jurisdiction of the medical license or certificate. No specific treatment is required, and the details of an individual's treatment (e.g., details about surgery, hormone treatment) need not be included in the letter. Note that if the physician states that the individual "is in the process of gender transition," rather than stating that the individual has had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition, the State Department will only issue a limited, two-year passport (rather than the standard ten-year).

Can a person change their name and gender marker on their driver's license or state-issued identification card?

Yes. To change the name on a Washington driver's license or identification card, a person must submit a written request to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) accompanied by an original or certified copy of a court-ordered name change and payment. With the exception of enhanced driver licenses and enhanced ID cards, an individual may also apply for name changes in person at a driver's licensing office with proof of a court-ordered name change. The fee for changing one's name on a driver's license is $10-$20.

To change the gender marker on a Washington driver's license or identification card, a person must mail a written request to the Washington DOL or visit a driver licensing office location. To make this request, a person must:

Make sure the person's name, date of birth, and gender are up- to-date with the Social Security Administration (see page 10 for changing information with the Social Security Administration)

If submitting the request via mail:

Complete a "Change of Gender Designation Request" form (available for download on the Washington State Department of Licensing website) by:

Filling out the "Applicant" section of the form, and

Having a treating physician fill out the "Medical or social service provider" section of the form.

Make a copy of any one of the following: the person's valid Washington State driver license/ID card, enhanced driver license or enhanced ID card, or instruction permit.

Mail all of the documents to the address on the form.

Upon receipt of these documents, the Washington DOL will send the individual a letter authorizing that person to get a new license or identification card online or at a driver's licensing office. The fee for changing one's gender marker on a driver's license is $10 in person or $20 online.

If submitting the request in person at a driver licensing office, bring:

A copy of any one of the following: a valid Washington State driver license/ID card, enhanced driver license or enhanced ID card, or instruction permit.

Payment for the $10 fee.

One of the following documents showing the new gender: a valid U.S. Passport, a certified U.S. birth certificate, a valid driver's license or ID card from another U.S. state or territory, a court order indicating a gender designation change, a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (I-551), a valid Employment Authorization Card (I-766), or a completed "Change of Gender Designation Request" form.

Does changing the gender marker on one's birth certificate legally change one's gender?

It is unclear because Washington courts have not expressly addressed this issue. Although changing the gender marker on one's birth certificate should put to rest once and for all the question of one's legal gender, courts outside of Washington have, in certain circumstances, ignored the corrected birth certificate. To deal with this potential problem, some individuals obtain a court order declaring a legal change of gender. (To save time and money, some advocates recommend doing this when petitioning for a court-ordered name change.) The advantage of a court order is that it is generally entitled to greater respect than a birth certificate or other identity document by courts and agencies in other states.

FAMILY MATTERS

If a married spouse transitions to their affirmed gender expression or identity during the marriage, is the couple still legally married?

Yes. In 2012, Washington State began recognizing marriage for same-sex couples, including marriages between same-sex couples performed in other states. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that restricted the meaning of "marriage" and "spouse" to opposite-sex couples. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. As a result of these rulings, same-sex couples may marry in all U.S. states and territories. Same-sex couples now receive the same federal benefits as different-sex couples, including tax, military, employment (for employees of the federal government), immigration, family medical leave, social security, and veterans benefits. Same-sex couples also now receive recognition in federal legal matters, such as survivor benefits and spousal evidentiary privileges in criminal prosecutions. The universal legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States means that a person's gender identity has no impact on the validity of a marriage.

Can a person who has transitioned to their affirmed gender identity legally marry a person of a different gender identity?

Yes. As discussed above, the United States now recognizes marriage without regard to the gender identities of the spouses. This means that two people can legally marry in the United States regardless of whether either one or both of the spouses has transitioned prior to the marriage, and regardless of whether the legal gender identities of the spouses are different or the same.

Does undergoing gender confirmation surgery during marriage affect parental rights?

Not necessarily. Many transgender parents retain custody of their children, and Washington courts have indicated that a trial court cannot restrict a parent's rights based on the fact that the person is transgender. However, transgender parents sometimes may fare poorly in custody and visitation disputes, where judges base their decisions on what they believe to be in the children's best interest. At least one Washington court has upheld a trial court's consideration of the impact of a parent's impending gender transition in determining primary residency.

HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

Are there laws that protect transgender people from discrimination in health care and health insurance?

Yes. The WLAD prohibits discrimination against transgender people in places of public accommodation, which includes hospitals and other health facilities. Thus, under Washington law, hospitals and clinics may not refuse to treat transgender patients or treat transgender patients differently from other patients because of their gender expression or identity. The WLAD also prohibits discrimination against transgender people in insurance transactions. It follows that, under Washington law, health care insurers may not refuse to issue health insurance coverage, decline to renew health insurance coverage, cancel health insurance coverage, or specify different benefits, terms, rates, conditions, or types of health insurance coverage on the basis of a person's gender expression or identity.

Transgender discrimination in health care is also illegal under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Section 1557 of the ACA prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex by any health program receiving federal assistance, as well as within any state Health Insurance Marketplace established under the ACA. In a 2016 rule, HHS explicitly stated that under Section 1557 discrimination "on the basis of sex" includes discrimination on the basis of gender identity. However, in December 2016 a Texas court issued a nationwide injunction to the portion of the 2016 HHS rule prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity (and termination of pregnancy). In response to the injunction, in May 2017, HHS advised the court that it is reevaluating the 2016 rule. The ACLU believes that the injunction should not prevent Section 1557 gender identity claims from being decided by the courts. A recent California court decision denied a motion to stay a Section 1557 gender identity claim. The Court found that discrimination on the basis of transgender identity was protected under the ACA and that the injunction was not applicable as the Court's analysis relied on the language of the statute itself, not the enjoined 2016 HHS rule.

Are there government health care programs that provide coverage for transition-related care?

Yes. Coverage for transition-related care varies among government health care programs. Under Medicare, a federal program for individuals over 65 and individuals who are disabled, insurance coverage for surgical and nonsurgical transition-related procedures is available. In May 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ended its outdated policy of categorically excluding Medicare coverage for transition-related surgery. As a result, decisions about coverage for transition-related care are now made

on an individual basis like all other services under Medicare. This does not necessarily mean that Medicare will cover gender affirming surgeries for all patients, but it does mean that Medicare will no longer automatically deny claims for transition-related medical procedures.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program for individuals and families with limited resources. Washington State's Medicaid program is known as Washington Apple Health. As of 2015 the Washington Apple Health program covers many medically necessary surgical and nonsurgical services for transgender individuals. These include services such as transition related hormones, primary care visits, mental health visits, and various surgeries. However, even with Apple Health coverage it is still often difficult in Washington to obtain transition related surgeries as there are very few providers willing to accept Apple Health coverage for these procedures. Working with a primary care provider and an advocacy organization may assist transgender individuals in finding surgeons willing to accept Apple Health.

For public employees of Washington State, the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) offers coverage for surgical and nonsurgical transition-related care, including hormones and gender confirming surgery.

For active duty and retired armed forces members under the federal TRICARE program, only coverage for nonsurgical transition-related care is available. Thus, coverage includes hormones and mental health services, but not gender confirmation surgery.

Does private health insurance cover transition-related surgery or other transition-related medical treatment?

In June 2014, Washington's Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) stated that transgender discrimination in private health insurance plans is illegal under the WLAD and the federal Affordable Care Act. As a result, private health insurance plans sold in Washington State must provide health care coverage to transgender policyholders on terms equal to coverage provided to non-transgender policyholders. For example, if an insurer covers breast reduction surgery to lessen back pain, that insurer could not deny breast reduction surgery for transition purposes if the provider deemed the treatment to be medically necessary. OIC's rule does not apply to Washington Medicaid (Apple Health), because Medicaid is regulated by a different state agency, the Health CareAuthority.

Private health plans that are "self-insured" are often exempt from state law requirements and therefore are generally not subject to the OIC's directive requiring equality in health insurance coverage for transgender individuals. However, self-insured plans must still abide by federal and state anti-discrimination laws to the extent the laws are applicable. Self-insured plans are private health insurance plans for employees that are fully insured by the employer rather than by an outside insurance company, meaning the employer pays the insurance claims. Because self-insured plans often rely on outside insurance companies for administrative support, it is often difficult for employees to know whether or not their plan is self-insured. If you are not sure whether your plan is self-insured, ask your employer. Self-insured plans are primarily offered by large employers with more than 500 employees.

The Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) encourages transgender individuals who have experienced discriminatory exclusions or denials of service in private health insurance plans to file a complaint for investigation. For information on filing a complaint with the OIC, visit www.insurance.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-6900.

RIGHTS IN JAILS & PRISONS

Are there laws that protect transgender individuals from discrimination and violence in jails and prisons?

Yes. The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees an individual's right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, requires prison and jail officials to protect all prisoners from violence by other inmates and staff. If prison officials know of a substantial risk of harm to a prisoner, they must take reasonable

The ACLU believes that prisons and jails may also violate the constitutional rights of transgender prisoners under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment if prison officials deny transgender individuals services or benefits because of their transgender status, when those services and benefits are provided to other prisoners.

Furthermore, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), a federal law that aims to combat sexual assault and harassment in prisons and jails, provides additional support for the protection of transgender inmates. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued final regulations for implementing PREA across the country. These DOJ regulations, known as the "PREA Standards," contain specific protections for transgender prisoners in federal, state, and local correctional facilities.

A growing number of local correctional systems are developing more respectful policies for transgender individuals. For example, the King County Correctional Facility-the largest correctional facility in Washington State-adopted specific guidelines in 2006 to protect the rights of transgender inmates. King County's jail policies establish additional protections for transgender individuals beyond those adopted by the state. Under King County's anti-harassment and discrimination policy, correctional staff are prohibited from making derogatory or hurtful comments about transgender or gender non-conforming individuals, talking about or ridiculing transgender or gender non-conforming individuals to the larger inmate population, and asking inmates personal questions about their gender identity or expression. Further, staff must allow transgender inmates to access gender-congruent commissary items, such as bras for transgender women and shirts large enough to fit loosely over the chest area for transgender men. King County's policies also require housing arrangements for transgender inmates to be based on the individual's safety and security needs and be the least restrictive option. The county also provides for separate shower accommodations upon request and PREA training for staff.

Under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) must investigate all reports of sexual ha- rassment, assault, and abuse against prisoners. To report sexual miscon- duct against an individual in DOC custody or supervision, call the PREA Hotline at 1-800-586-9431 (0-800-586-9431 from a prison facility) or send a written report to the PREA Unit at P.O. Box 41131, Olympia, WA 98504. Prisoners may also report PREA violations by submitting a kite or grievance, telling a trusted staff member, or asking a family member or friend to call the hotline. For more information about PREA reports, visit www.doc.wa.gov

Are jail and prison officials required to place a transgender individual in the facility that matches the inmate's gender expression or identity?

As discussed above, Washington's Department of Corrections (DOC) has adopted regulations pursuant to federal law to protect transgender individuals from sexual assault and violence in prison. The state's DOC's regulations establish specific protocols for housing incarcerated transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming offenders. According to these regulations, housing assignments for transgender and intersex individuals must take into account the individual's initial risk assessment, potential and identified risks of each housing option, the individual's own view of personal safety within each housing option, and the extent to which the individual physically resembles the gender with which they identify. Housing determinations for transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming individuals will be reviewed every six months to assess any threats to the individual's safety. DOC policies also prohibit facilities from segregating transgender inmates from the general population, except when requested by the individual or in limited circumstances when necessary to protect the individual from harm. When transgender individuals are placed in protective custody, facilities must ensure that they retain access to the same programs afforded to general population inmates of the same security level.

King County requires housing assignments for transgender and gender non-conforming inmates to consider on a case-by-case basis which placement option would best ensure the individual's health and safety. The county's housing policy explicitly states that an inmate's own views with respect to personal safety must be given serious consideration in this process. Housing assignments must be reviewed at least every six months, and must be reviewed earlier if an inmate expresses fear about threats to their safety. Like the DOC policy, King County's policy prohibits housing transgender and gender non-conforming inmates in isolation or segregation solely because of their gender identity or expression. Decisions to place an inmate in administrative segregation must be based on objective criteria without regard to gender identity, such as an inmate's propensity for violence, history of victimizing others, or severe mental or physical illness; furthermore, the county's policy specifically states that the status of being transgender cannot be considered a mental or physical illness for these purposes. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals placed in protective custody must have access to the same programs afforded to general population inmates of the same security level.

Are transgender individuals protected from invasive and unnecessary physical examinations by jail and prison officials?

Yes. Washington's DOC regulations explicitly state that jail staff may not search or physically examine a transgender or intersex inmate for the sole purpose of determining the individual's genital status. To further protect transgender individuals from invasive and discriminatory searches, the regulations provide that determinations about an individual's genital status may be made by a health care provider based on conversations with the individual or through a review of medical records. Prison and jails may only determine genital status through physical examination when the examination is part of a broader medical examination necessary for some other purpose and is conducted in private by a health care practitioner.

Similarly, King County's policies prohibit correctional staff from searching or physically examining transgender or intersex individuals for the sole purpose of determining genital status. These policies further require that strip searches of transgender and gender non- conforming inmates be authorized by the duty Sergeant or higher authority before proceeding, and the reason for the strip search must be documented. The strip search shall be conducted by two officers who are of the "same physical sex" -"physical sex" is not defined - as the inmate. The policy does not consider the inmate's preference to be searched by an officer of a particular gender.

Do transgender prisoners have a right to receive transition-related health care services such as hormones and gender confirming surgeries?

Although the ACLU thinks the answer should be yes, there is no definitive answer yet. Under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, prisons and jails must provide adequate health care for prisoners' serious medical needs. Prison officials violate a prisoner's constitutional right to care when they cause significant injury, inflict unnecessary and excessive pain, or create a substantial risk of future harm through the denial of medical treatment or through the provision of treatment so inadequate that it amounts to no care at all. This means that decisions about treatment for transgender prisoners must be based on individualized medical considerations, not financial, political, or other reasons, and should be consistent with generally accepted medical standards of care. A growing number of courts across the country have concluded that gender dysphoria constitutes a serious medical need under the Eighth Amendment. However, the Constitution does not guarantee a prisoner's choice of medical treatment for any condition, and judgment is often in the hands of prison medical staff. As a result, transition-related care remains inaccessible to many transgender people in prison who struggle to obtain a diagnosis or authorization for specific treatment from facility providers.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has indicated that blanket denials of hormone treatment for transition-related purposes constitute deliberate indifference to the serious medical needs of prisoners. In other words, correctional officials may not automatically deny a transgender person's requests for hormones on the grounds that gender dysphoria cannot qualify as a medical need. Such blanket rules against transition-related care are unconstitutional because they are not based on individualized medical evaluations.

Washington State's current health policy for inmates, which went into effect in August 2017, states that transition-related treatment qualifies as medically necessary care in certain circumstances. Once a medical diagnosis is made, transgender individuals may access transition-related services, such as hormones, pursuant to DOC health care protocol. Transition-related surgical procedures, however, are explicitly excluded from coverage.

King County's policy requires that transgender individuals be provided medical and mental health care like all other inmates. Furthermore, after a review of their medical records, transgender individuals may also access necessary continuing care items, such as stents and other post-operative supplies.

IMMIGRATION

May a transgender immigrant be granted asylum in the United States because of anti-transgender harassment in the individual's country of origin?

Yes. More and more transgender immigrants are being granted asylum after making the case that they have been persecuted at home because of their failure to conform to cultural gender roles and/or sexual orientation.

Although many of the courts addressing the issue confuse sexual orientation with gender identity or expression, it is clear that transgender people are a "particular social group" entitled to the protection of asylum laws.

To qualify for asylum in the U.S. on these grounds, a person must show that they are transgender, that they suffered past persecution in their home country, or have a well-founded fear of future persecution if they were to return home, because they are transgender, and that their government either persecuted them or refused to do anything to protect them from persecution by others.

NOTES ON WORDS & PHRASES USED

Terminology used to discuss gender expression and identity varies within transgender communities and has changed over time. To respect every individual's right to self-identify, the term(s) preferred by an individual should always be used. For clarity, here is a general list of common words and phrases used in this guide and elsewhere:

Transgender: A broad term for people whose gender identity, expression, or behavior is different from those typically associated with their assigned sex at birth. Some people prefer the term "trans," an abbreviation for "transgender." Please note: "Transgender" is correctly used as an adjective, not a noun - thus, "transgender people" is appropriate, but "transgenders" is often viewed as disrespectful. Use of the term as a past-tense verb - for instance, "transgendered" - is also often viewed as disrespectful. "Transsexual" is an older term for people whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth and who seek to transition from male to female or female to male. Many people do not use or prefer the term "transsexual" because of its overly clinical association.

Gender Expression: The way a person represents or expresses one's gender identity to others, often through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, and/or voice or body characteristics.

Gender Identity: A person's internal sense of being male, female, or something else. Please note: Because gender identity is internal, a person's gender identity is not necessarily visible to others.

Sex: The classification of people as male or female based on a combination of bodily characteristics, including chromosomes, hormones, internal and external reproductive organs, and features that appear during puberty.

Gender Non-Conforming: A term for individuals whose gender expression is different from social expectations of masculinity and femininity. Please note: Not all gender non-conforming people identify as transgender, and not all transgender people are gender non- conforming. This term is not a synonym for "transgender."

Gender Transition: The time when a person begins living as the gender with which they identify rather than the gender they were assigned at birth, which often includes changing one's first name, using new pronouns, and dressing and grooming differently.

Transitioning may or may not also include medical and legal aspects, such as changing official documents (e.g., driver's license) to reflect one's gender identity, taking hormones, or having surgery. The exact steps involved in transition vary from person to person.

Sex or Gender Confirmation Surgery: Surgical procedures that may be part of gender transition. Gender confirmation surgery may involve a wide variety of different procedures, including those sometimes referred to as "top surgery" (breast augmentation or removal) and "bottom surgery" (genital alteration). These surgeries are medically necessary for some people, but not all people want, need, or can have surgery as part of their transition. Please note: This term is preferable to the commonly used phrase "sex reassignment surgery," which incorrectly suggests that all transgender people need surgery to "reassign" their sex before their gender identity can be respected.

Many people consider "sex change surgery" and "sex change operation" to be derogatory terms.

Gender Dysphoria: The formal medical diagnosis given to transgender individuals as a prerequisite for certain types of transition-related medical care. Please note: Formerly known as "Gender Identity Disorder," this diagnostic term was revised to better characterize the experiences of transgender individuals and remove the negative connotations of "disorder."

Transgender Woman: A transgender person who currently identifies as a woman (see also "MTF").

MTF: A person who transitions from "male-to-female," meaning a person who was assigned male at birth, but identifies and lives as a female (see also "Transgender Woman").

Transgender Man: A transgender person who currently identifies as a man (see also "FTM").

FTM: A person who transitions from "female-to-male," meaning a person who was assigned female at birth, but identifies and lives as a male (see also "Transgender Man").

Queer: A term used to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and often also transgender people. Some use queer as an alternative to "gay" in an effort to be more inclusive. Depending on the user, the term has either a derogatory or an affirming connotation, as many have sought to reclaim the term that was once widely used in a negative way.

Genderqueer: A term used by some people who identify as neither entirely male nor entirely female. Please note: This term is not a synonym for "transgender."

Two-Spirit: A term that refers to historical and current First Nations people whose bodies simultaneously manifest both masculine and feminine spirits. This term is used by some people in Native American LGBT communities to honor their heritage and provide an alternative to Western labels of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

ACLU OF WASHINGTON

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization devoted to protecting the civil liberties of all people in Washington and extending rights to groups that historically have been denied equal treatment.

As one of the ACLU's more than 50 local affiliates around the U.S., the ACLU of Washington works for equal rights and legal protections against discrimination and harassment for the LGBT community through litigation and legal advocacy, through lobbying at the state legislature and local governments, and by public education. The ACLU of Washington does not handle matters that arise outside of the state of Washington.

The ACLU of Washington offers information in response to specific inquiries or concerns and advice on how to assert individual rights and engage in advocacy; provides referrals to other organizations better able to offer such information or advice in specific situations; and undertakes impact litigation (i.e., pursues lawsuits that will defend or extend fundamental civil liberties and civil rights that will affect a large number of people). If you feel you have been the victim of discrimination based on your gender expression or identity, please consider contacting the ACLU of Washington in one of the following ways:

Online: Submit a request for help online by visiting www.aclu-wa.org/help.

By phone: Call the ACLU of Washington's Intake and Referral Line at 206.624.2180 (open Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00am-3:00pm).

By mail: Write to American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, 901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 630, Seattle, WA 98164 and provide the following information: your name, mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address (if available); a brief description of the problem or issue about which you are contacting the ACLU of Washington, including any relevant dates and the names of any individuals or organizations involved; a description or copy of any relevant documentation; whether you are presently represented by an attorney in the matter you are writing about; whether you have taken any steps to resolve the matter you are writing about and, if so, a description of these steps; and a description of what you would like the ACLU of Washington to do concerning this matter.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For additional resources and information about transgender rights, please see:

RCW 49.60.040(26).
RCW 49.60.030(1)(b); RCW 49.60.040(2), (14); RCW 49.60.215.
RCW 49.60.030(1)(c); RCW 49.60.040(21) to (22); RCW 49.60.222 to .225.
RCW 49.60.030(1)(a); RCW 49.60.040(11); RCW 49.60.180.
RCW 49.60.030(1)(d); RCW 49.60.040(6); RCW 49.60.176.
RCW 49.60.030(1)(e); RCW 49.60.178.
RCW 9A.36.080 (malicious harassment); see also 9A.36.080(6)(a) (which imports the definition of "sexual orientation" used in RCW 49.60).
RCW 28A.300.285.
BURIEN, WASH., LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION, ch. 8.50 (2017) (available at https://www.codepublishing.com/wa/burien/html/Burien08/Burien0850.html).
OLYMPIA, WASH., MUN. CODE, ch. 5.80, UNFAIR HOUSING PRACTICES (available at https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Olympia/html/Olympia05/Olympia0580.html).
SEATTLE, WASH., MUN. CODE § 14.04 (employment); SEATTLE, WASH., MUN. CODE § 14.06 (public accommodations); SEATTLE, WASH., MUN. CODE § 14.08 (housing); SE- ATTLE, WASH., MUN. CODE § 14.10 (contracting); SEATTLE, WASH., MUN. CODE § 18.12 (parks), (available at https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code).
TACOMA, WASH., MUN. CODE, ch. 1.29, http://cms.cityoftacoma.org/cityclerk/Files/MunicipalCode/Title01-AdministrationAndPersonnel.PDF.
KING COUNTY, WASH., CODE § 12.18 (fair employment); KING COUNTY, WASH., CODE § 12.20 (fair housing); KING COUNTY, WASH., CODE § 12.22 (public accommodations); KING COUNTY, WASH., CODE § 12.17 (fair contracting), https://www.kingcounty.gov/council/legislation/kc_code.aspx.
Hate Crime Acts, 18 U.S.C. § 249 (2012).
Memorandum from the U.S. Attorney Gen. to U.S. Attorneys, Heads of Dep't Compo- nents (Oct. 4, 2017) (available at https://www.cnn.com/2017/10/05/politics/jeff-sessions-transgender-title-vii/index.html); Dear Colleague Letter from Sandra Battle, T.E. Wheeler,
U.S. Dep't of Justice and U.S. Dep't of Educ. (Feb. 22, 2017) (available at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201702-title-ix.pdf).
RCW 49.60.040(26).
The Washington State Human Rights Commission ("WSHRC")-the agency in charge of enforcing individual rights under the WLAD-explains:

A common term is "transgender." This term covers a broad range of people who experi- ence and/or express their gender differently from what most people expect. They may express themselves as the gender that does not match the sex listed on their original birth certificate, or they may physically change their sex through medical treatment. This is sometimes called transsexual. The term "transgender" also includes people who are cross-dressers or otherwise gender non-conforming. Gender identity and expression also includes males and females who do not express their gender in stereotypically masculine or feminine ways, such as through their appearance or mannerisms. A person does not need to have had surgery or otherwise have undergone medical treatment in order to be considered transgender[], or to be protected under the Law Against Discrimination.

WASH. STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMM'N, Guide to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and the Washington Law Against Discrimination (2014), https://www.hum.wa.gov/media/dynamic/files/351_Updated%20SO%20GI%20Guide.pdf.
Schwenck v. Hartford, 204 F.3d 1187, 1202 (9th Cir. 2000). Federal courts across the country have held similarly. See Glenn v. Brumby, 663 F.3d 1312, 1317 (11th Cir. 2011); Smith v. City of Salem, 378 F.3d 566, 575 (6th Cir. 2004); Schroer v. Billington, 577 F.Supp.2d 293, 305 (D.D.C. 2008). Macy v. Holder, 2012 WL 1435995, *1-2 (E.E.O.C. 2012).
Memorandum from the U.S. Attorney Gen. to U.S. Attorneys Heads of Dep't Components (Oct. 4, 2017) (available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1001886/download).
U.S. Gov., Official Guide to Government Information and Services: Labor Laws and Is- sues, (2017), www.usa.gov/labor-laws.
U.S. Dep't of Hous. and Urban Dev.: Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Regard- less of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity, 77 Fed. Reg. 5562 (Feb. 3, 2012) (codified at 24 C.F.R. pts. 5, 200, 203, 236, 400, 579, 574, 882, 891, and 982) (available at https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=12lgbtfinalrule.pdf). By way of illustration, the HUD website contains the following example: A property manager refuses to rent an apartment to a prospective tenant who is transgender. If the housing denial is because of the prospective tenant's non-conformity with gender stereotypes, it constitutes illegal discrimination on the basis of sex under the Fair Housing Act.
U.S. Dep't of Hous. and Urban Dev., Ending Housing Discrimination Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Individuals and Their Families, HUD.GOV, https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/LGBT_Housing_Discrimination; Office of Community Planning and Development, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, Notice CPD 15-02, Appropriate Placement for Transgender Persons in Single-Sex Emergency Shelters or Other Facilities, (2015), available at https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/Notice-CPD-15-02-Appropriate-Placement-for-Transgender-Persons-in-Single-Sex-Emergency-Shelters-and-Other-Facilities.pdf
U.S. DEP'T OF EDUC., OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS , Questions and Answers on Title IX and Sexual Violence 5, (2014), available at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-201404-title-ix.pdf.
For a copy of the May 2016 guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Education, see Dear Colleague Letter from Catherine E. Lhamon, Vanita Gupta, U.S. Dep't of Justice & U.S. Dep't of Educ. (May 13, 2016)(available at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201605-title-ix-transgender.pdf).
See Dear Colleague Letter from Sandra Battle, T.E. Wheeler, U.S. Dep't of Justice & U.S. Dep't of Educ. (Feb. 22, 2017) (available at https://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2017/images/02/23/1atransletterpdf022317.pdf ); U.S. Dep't of Educ. Office of Civil Rights, Resources of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students, https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/lgbt.html.
Glenn v. Brumby, 663 F.3d 1312, 1317 (11th Cir. 2011).
Gender identity protections do cover access to gender identity-appropriate restrooms. See, e.g., Doe v. Reg'l Sch. Unit 26, 86 A.3d 600 (Me. 2014); Mathis v. Fountain-Fort Car- son Sch. Dist. 8, State of Colorado, Division of Civil Rights Charge No. P20130034X (De- termination June 17, 2013) (available at http://www.transgenderlegal.org/media/uploads/doc_529.pdf) (Determination of Dir. Steven Chavez in the Coy Mathis case).
WAC 162-32-060.
Student A v. Township High Sch. Dist. 211, U.S. Dep't of Educ. Office of Civil Rights Case No. 05-14-1055 (Nov. 2, 2015)(available at https://www2.ed.gov/documents/press-releases/township-high-211-letter.pdf).
Dear Colleague Letter from Sandra Battle, T.E. Wheeler, U.S. Dep't of Justice and U.S. Dep't of Educ. (Feb. 22, 2017) (available at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201702-title-ix.pdf).
Letter from Candice Jackson, Acting Assistant Sec'y for Office for Civil Rights, Dep't of Educ., to Reg'l Dirs., (June. 6, 2017) (available at https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/3866929/Trump-administration-s-guidance-to-Office-for.pdf
) (Regarding OCR Instructions to the Field re Complaints Involving Transgender Students).
Susanne Beauchaine et al., Wash. Superintendent of Pub. Instruction, Office of Super- intendent of Pub. Instruction, Prohibiting Discrimination in Washington Public Schools: Guidelines for School Districts to Implement Chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW and Chapter 392-190 (2012) (available at http://www.k12.wa.us/equity/pubdocs/ProhibitingDiscriminationInPublicSchools.pdf) (hereinafter "OSPI Guidelines"). These guidelines are designed to assist schools in implementing RCW 28A.642 (prohibiting discrimination in Washington public schools based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability); RCW 28A.640 (prohibiting discrimination in Washing- ton public schools based on sex); and WAC 392-190 (codifying OSPI's rules for eliminating discrimination in public school employment, counseling and guidance services for students, recreational and athletic activities, access to course offerings, and in textbooks
and instruction materials). OSPI Guidelines, at 6.
OSPI Guidelines, at 30.
Id. at 30
RCW 28A.642.010¬; RCW 28A.642.020.
The OSPI Guidelines state that school districts "should not require proof of medical treatments in order to respect a student's gender identity or expression." OSPI Guidelines, at 30.
For more information, see OSPI Guidelines, supra note 32; Washington Interscholas- tic Activities Association, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Handbook
2016-2017 (2016) (available at http://www.wiaa.com/ConDocs/Con1629/2016-17%20Handbook%20Final%20(8-11).pdf).
Id.
See Northwest Justice Project, Name Change (2012) (available at https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/files/C9D2EA3F-0350-D9AF-ACAE-BF37E9BC9FFA/attachments/392DF2A7-D062-2F32-194A-DF77898A9812/3400en.pdf).
See Wash. Cts., Name Changes, COURTS.WA.GOV, https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.static&staticID=13 (last visited Sept. 26, 2017).
Wash. State Dep't of Health, Court-Ordered Name Change, DOH.WA.GOV, https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce/CourtOrderedNameChange (last visited Sept. 28, 2017).
See Wash. State Dep't of Health, Rule-Making Activities, DOH.WA.GOV, https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce/RuleMaking (last visited January 14, 2018).
Id.
WAC 246-490-075, https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/5600/WAC246-490-075.pdf (last visited Jan. 14, 2018).
For more information about name and gender marker changes to birth certificates, see Wash. State Dep't of Health, Correcting Birth Certificates, DOH.WA.GOV, https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce/CertificateCorrection/Birth (last visited Sept. 28, 2017). See also RCW 34.05.542(3) (time for filing petition for review of agency action).
For more information, see Soc. Sec. Admin. Program Operations Manual Sys., RM 10212.200 Changing Numident Data for Reasons other than Name Change, SSA.GOV (SEPT. 30, 2013), https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212200. See also Nat'l Ctr. for Transgender Equal., Transgender People and the Social Security Administration (2013) (available at https://www.transequality.org/Resources/SSAResource_June2013.pdf).Bureau of Consular Affairs, Change or Correct a Passport, U.S. DEP'T OF STATE,
https:// travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/services/correction.html (last visited Sept. 28, 2017).
U.S. Dep't of State: U.S. Passports & Int'l Travel, Gender Designation Change, U.S. DEP'T OF STATE, https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/gender.html (last visited Oct. 23, 2017). For more information about name and gender marker changes on U.S. passports, including a model certification letter, see Nat'l Ctr. for Trans- gender Equal., Understanding The New Passport Gender Change Policy (2014) (available at https://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/kyr/passports_2014.pdf).
See Wash. State Dep't of Licensing, Change Your Name: Driver Licenses and ID Cards, DOL.WA.GOV, https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/namechange.html (last visited Oct. 23, 2017).
Wash. State Dep't of Licensing, Driver Licensing Fees, DOL.WA.GOV, https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/fees.html (last visited Oct. 23, 2017).
See Wash. State Dep't of Licensing, Change Your Gender Designation, DOL.WA.GOV, https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/genderchange.html (last visited Oct. 23, 2017).
"Medical or social service provider" includes: "licensed physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, naturopath, advanced registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant, certified osteopathic physician assistant, or social service worker." See Id.
U.S. v. Windsor, 570 U.S. , 133 S. Ct. 2675 (2013).
Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. , 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015).
Magnuson v. Magnuson, 141 Wash. App. 347, 350 (2007); see also In re Marriage of Balashov, 154 Wash. App. 1027 (2010). For more information, see Leslie Cooper and the American Civil Liberties Union, Protecting the Rights of Transgender Parents: A Guide for Parents and Lawyers (2013) (available at https://www.aclu.org/files/assets/aclu-tg_parenting_guide.pdf).
Dep't of Health and Human Servs.: Nondiscrimination in Health Programs & Activities, 81 Fed. Reg. 31376-31473 (May 18, 2016) (codified at 45 C.F.R. 92) (available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-05-18/pdf/2016-11458.pdf). Franciscan Alliance, Inc. v. Burwell, 227 F. Supp. 3d. 660 (N.D. Tex. 2016).
Defs.' Mot. for Voluntary Remand and Stay, Franciscan Alliance, Inc. v. Burwell, No. 16-00108, (N.D. Tex. May 02, 2017), ECF No. 92 (available at https://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/releases/1557%20motion%20for%20remand.pdf).
Prescott v. Rady Children's Hosp.-San Diego, 2017 WL 4310756, 9 (S.D. Cal. 2017).
See Wash. State Health Care Auth., Transgender Health Program, HCA.WA.GOV, https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/apple-health-medicaid-coverage/transgender-health-program (last visited Nov. 21, 2017).
Press Release, Coalition for Inclusive Healthcare, Public Employees Benefits Board Implements Transgender Inclusive Healthcare (July, 31, 2014) (available at ).
62 TRICARE Manuals Online, TP08 Change No 169 List of Affected Pages (2008) (available at http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil/pages/PageList.aspx?Manual=TP08&Change=169).
Wash. Office of the Ins. Comm'r, Transgender Medical Coverage Rights, INSURANCE. WA.GOV, www.insurance.wa.gov/transgender-medical-coverage-rights(last visited Sept. 28, 2017).
Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825 (1994).
Id.
Schwenk v. Hartford, 204 F.3d 1187 (9th Cir. 2000).
U.S. Dep't of Justice: Nat'l Standards to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Prison Rape, 77 Fed. Reg. 37,106 (June 20, 2012) (codified at 28 C.F.R. pt. 115) (available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-06-20/pdf/2012-12427.pdf); See generally Nat'l PREA Res. Ctr., https://www.prearesourcecenter.org (last visited Nov. 21, 2017); Am. Civil Liberties Union & Nat'l Ctr. for Lesbian Rights, Know Your Rights: Laws, Court Decisions, and Advocacy Tips to Protect Transgender Prisoners (2014) (available at http://www.nclrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/KnowYourRights_GuidetoProtectTransgenderPrisoners.pdf).
For more information about national protections for transgender prisoners under the Constitution and PREA Standards, see Id.
See WASH. DEP'T OF CORRS., DOC Policy 490.800: Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Prevention and Reporting, (2017) (available at http://www.doc.wa.gov/information/policies/files/490800.pdf) (hereinafter "DOC Policy 490.800"); WASH. DEP'T OF CORRS., DOC Policy 490.820: Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Risk Assessments and Assignments (2016) (available at http://www.doc.wa.gov/information/policies/files/490820.pdf) (hereinafter "DOC Policy 490.820"); WASH. DEP'T OF CORRS., DOC Form 07-019: PREA Risk Assessment (2016).
Id.
DOC Policy 490.800; DOC Policy 490.820.
KING CNTY. WASH., DEP'T OF ADULT AND JUVENILE DET., ADULT DIV., GEN. POLICY MANUAL, 6.03.007 Transgender Inmates (2006) (available at https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/asset_upload_file70_27801.pdf).
DOC Policy 490.820 Id.
KING CNTY. WASH., DEP'T OF ADULT AND JUVENILE DET., ADULT DIV., GEN. POLICY MANUAL, 6.03.007 Transgender Inmates (2006) (available at https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/asset_upload_file70_27801.pdf).
Although housing assignments should not depend upon genital status, the regulations provide that genital status may "be determined by health care providers during conversa- tions with the offender, by reviewing medical records, or, if necessary, as part of a broader medical examination conducted in private by a health care practitioner." DOC Policy 490.820.
KING CNTY. WASH., DEP'T OF ADULT AND JUVENILE DET., ADULT DIV., GEN. POLICY
MANUAL, 6.03.007 Transgender Inmates (2006) (available at https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/asset_upload_file70_27801.pdf).
See Allard v. Gomez, 9 F. Appx. 793 (9th Cir. 2001); see also Denegal v. Farrell, No. 15- 01251, 2016 WL 3648956, *5 (E.D. Cal. July 8, 2016) (report and recommendation adopted,
No. 15-01251, 2016 WL 8731336 (E.D. Cal. Sept. 9, 2016)).
South v. Gomez, 129 F.3d 127, 1997 WL 683661 (9th Cir. 1997).
Adams v. Bureau of Prisons, 716 F.Supp.2d 106 (D. Mass 2010) (settled).
Federal Bureau of Prisons: Clinical Guidance, Medical Management of Transgender Inmates (2016) (available at https://www.bop.gov/resources/pdfs/trans_guide_dec_2016.pdf).
Wash. State Dept. of Corrections, Health Services: Offender Health Plan (2017) (avail- able at http://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/600-HA001.pdf)
KING CNTY. WASH., DEP'T OF ADULT AND JUVENILE DET., ADULT DIV., GEN. POLICY MANUAL, 6.03.007 Transgender Inmates (2006) (available at https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/asset_upload_file70_27801.pdf).
Transgender Law Center and The Asylum Project, Applying for Asylum Based on Gender Identity Persecution (available at https://transgenderlawcenter.org/resources/immigration/asylumfactsheet).
Id.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation is the legal, research, and educational arm of the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization devoted to protecting the civil liberties of all people in Washington and extending rights to groups that historically have been denied equal treatment.

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901 FIFTH AVENUE # 630, SEATTLE, WA 98164
WWW. ACLU-WA.ORG

6/2018

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The Rights of Transgender People in Washington State

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This guide is designed to help transgender individuals understand their legal rights in Washington State. It is not meant to provide legal advice. The current legal system assumes individuals identify as one gender, either male or female. While this guide provides an understanding of the current legal system, the ACLU recognizes that many people do not identify as male or female.

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Transgender people are who they are and they can't change that. They need to be treated like human beings because that's who they are.

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Trans Advocates Share Message Of Hope For Trans Youth | NBC Out | NBC News

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Transgender people have always gotten discrimination for being who they are. This shows that they are not afraid to show who they are anymore and that they are proud of who they have become.

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Jazz and her show, "I am Jazz", is an inspiration to many other transgender people and to people in general. She has shown that being transgender is not a bad thing.

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Being transgender is not something to joke about. Men and women all over the world are getting discrimination for who they are. Caitlyn Jenner shows that transgender men and women are not afraid anymore to come out.

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Transgender people need the respect they deserve. So what, if they are different and they don't have the same body parts as a woman or a man. They still are human, they do have feelings.

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We are all Responsible for Transgender Equality | Adelynn Mrosko | TEDxFargo

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Having people bully you for being different it not okay. All the time, transgender people commit suicide because they are getting discrimination for not being normal.

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Your family is the most important thing in your life and when your family doesn't accept you for who you are, that is just terrible. Kids come out to their parents because they are what they made him or her to be. Parents should be able to accept them and the kids should be able to trust them as well.