The Positive Women’s Network (USA) has always stood up for gender expression and equality, and that is especially true of their unyielding support of trans women, a population heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Today, for Trans Day of Remembrance, PWN has released a statement and information about their vision for trans rights, safety, and justice. Please join me in wholeheartedly supporting their work and their commitment to these crucial issues.
Statement and resources from PWN USA on Trans Day of Remembrance:
For 20 years, November 20 has been observed as Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR), a day for for various communities to come together to honor the lives of transgender people that were lost to violence. PWN-USA envisions and works toward a future in which all people of trans experience are supported to live fulfilling, secure and happy lives, free from all forms of violence, harassment, hostility, or discrimination.
Please join us today, and every day, as we honor our trans and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) siblings who have been killed and traumatized by hate and violence, and in uplifting and celebrating the resilience of the TGNC community.
Enjoy and share the beautiful Trans Day of Resilience artwork, an annual project from our partners at Forward Together where trans artists imagine free trans futures.
Artwork by Shea Coco, courtesy of Forward Together
Artwork by Shea Coco, courtesy of Forward Together
Artwork by Kah Yangni, courtesy of Forward Together
We envision and work toward a future in which all people of trans experience are supported to live fulfilling, secure and happy lives, free from all forms of violence, harassment, hostility or discrimination.
People of trans experience are forced to navigate social and political hostility, prejudice, discrimination and violence that compromise their safety and most basic rights on a daily basis. Since the 2016 election, there have been increased efforts to dismantle protections against discrimination based on gender identity in schools, at work, and in health care facilities. New “religious objection” policies have been proposed and implemented at the federal and state levels, explicitly permitting discrimination against transgender people in all areas of their lives.
Data shows that law enforcement may disproportionately target trans and gender non-conforming people. If incarcerated or detained, people of trans experience generally do not have access to gender-appropriate facilities, increasing the risk of assault and violence. Gender-affirming care is rarely available in jails, prisons, or detention facilities.
At the federal level, PWN supports:
1. Maintaining Section 1557 of the ACA: Non-discrimination Protections for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
2. Passing the Do No Harm Act
At the federal level, PWN opposes:
1. Religious Exemption Guidance and Laws Granting License to Discriminate
At the state level, PWN supports:
1. Laws Facilitating Gender Marker Corrections on Legal Documents
2. Expanding Gender Identity Options on Legal Documents
3. State and Local Gender Identity Non-discrimination Laws
4. Policies that Preserve the Dignity of Transgender People in Prisons
At the state level, PWN opposes:
1. State and Local “Bathroom Bills” Requiring Individuals to Use the Bathroom That Matches Their Sex Assigned at Birth
I applaud, as always, the work of PWN (USA) and hope you will share these resources and artwork on this important day.
Mark
