Court Ruling A "Monumental Victory" for Transgender Rights in the European Union

Photo / IGLA

The European Union Court of Justice ruled yesterday that a transgender man with dual citizenship must have his legal identity recognized by both countries.

Arian Mirzarafie-Ahi, a transgender man with Romanian and British citizenship, filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit in Romania against Romanian authorities over their refusal to recognize his male name and gender identity acquired in the United Kingdom (while still treated as an EU Member State). The lawsuit, which raised fundamental questions under EU law, was referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Luxembourg, according to a press release from the IGLA.

TGEU Expert Advisor, Richard Köhler, said in a joint statement with the IGLA: “The CJEU’s ruling in the Mirin case is a monumental victory for trans people in Europe! Arian was forced to navigate a legal nightmare, facing the prospect of conflicting passports and demands for sterilisation to match his legal gender on Romanian and UK documents. Member States must recognise each other’s decisions—this is about equality and dignity. Romania, it’s time to act: Arian deserves his passport now, and the country needs a legal framework for recognising foreign gender identities.”

ILGA-Europe’s Senior Strategic Litigation, Marie-Hélène Ludwig added: “Today’s ruling confirms that without mutual recognition of legal gender recognition from one Member State to another, the right to freedom of movement and residence is not guaranteed for trans people in the EU. It is a great victory that shows the power of strategic litigation in the EU. This judgement will have an immensely positive impact, increasing legal protection for all trans people in the EU, all the more as certain EU countries like Romania still do not provide a legal framework for legal gender recognition conforming with European Court of Human Rights’ standards.”

Demand the NYT cease lying about trans people

Why I Signed the New York Times Letter (And You Should, Too)

If you care about journalism, if you care about fairness, and you care about the truth, it should matter to you that "the paper of record" is constantly lying about trans people.

Parker Molloy: Why I Signed the New York Times Letter (And You Should, Too)

AND YOU CAN SIT BY AND WATCH OR YOU CAN REALIZE THAT YOUR FREEDOM IS TIED UP WITH OURS.

Trans activist Mara Glubka transcribed these important and brilliant words that were posted on Twitter 2 days ago by ACLU attorney Chase Strangio:

"In 2016 I began lobbying against anti-trans bills in state legislatures. At the time we were fighting back against the proliferation of the anti-trans bathroom bill and the false and weaponized narrative that trans people posed a threat to women and children in bathrooms.

In the years that followed, those pushing these bills (and ballot initiatives) admitted that the "safety" narrative fueling the bills in public discourse was entirely fabricated (which... of course it was). They shifted to focusing on privacy.

By shifting from "safety" to "privacy" the rhetoric fueling anti-trans bills placed the "problem" squarely on the body and existence of trans people. It was not something we *did* but just who we are and how we look that was the problem.

After Bostock and Biden's election, the escalation of attacks was swift. It began with the discourse around sports and quickly moved to healthcare. Fueled by global movements combating "gender ideology" (read: marshaling in fascism), this rhetoric took hold even more.

What started as "we just have concerns about competitive advantages in sports" quickly morphed into "aren't there really too many trans people and shouldn't we cut off the pathway from trans adolescence to trans adulthood".

From the pages of the New York Times to the legislative hearings across the country to kitchen table conversations - trans people became the endless fixation of those looking for a place for their fear about a changing world of increasing possibility.

Since at least 2016, I and many others have been raising the alarms about where this was all heading. It was never about bathrooms or sports or even healthcare. It is about what we represent - possibility outside of binaries, outside of notions of fixedness and essentialism.

If structures of power are dependent on us believing in the limits of what is possible - trans people represent an inherent threat to power.

We represent a freedom and possibility that is always a threat to the status quo.

I have been deep in this work for a long time but I will confess that I am surprised and horrified at where we find ourselves now in 2023. The sheer volume of bills and the prioritization of them. The coverage fixation at the Times and elsewhere.

Our society has accepted as legitimate our loss of healthcare, our frequent victimization, our death. As many as 14 States could ban healthcare for trans adolescents by mid-year. Almost half the country bands trans girls from sports.

If there is a "debate" about us among those in power - we are not a part of it. We are a spectacle for your consumption. That said we cannot be made on trans. There is no policy imperative that can change the fact of our existence. We are here as we always have been.

Governors Noem, Abbott, DeSantis, Cox, Hutchinson, Ivey. You may think you can sign off on our demise but we will rise stronger. To everyone who thinks we are worthy of concern but not agency, of your skepticism but not your respect, you write us off at your own peril.

None of this starts or ends with us.

Two governors have signed off on taking away our healthcare this session and it is not yet mid-February.

More of this is coming.

And you can sit by and watch or you can realize your freedom is tied up with ours."

Glaad: New York Times Sign On Letter

Ravens Superbowl Champion Brendon Ayanbadejo on Transgender Rights: If a man wears womans clothes and is really a man, who cares?

Human rights activist Brendon Ayanbadejo Ravens linebacker explained his support for transgender rights on CNN after eloquently stating his support of marriage equality:

“If a woman wants to wear a man's clothes or if a man wants to wear a woman's clothes or you feel like you're a woman on the inside and you're really a man. Who cares? Let's just treat everyone equally. Let's move on. Let's evolve as a culture, as a people.”

I honestly believe Ayanbadejo ether lacks a understanding of transgender people or was talking about cross dressers. In ether case it was a tragic faux pas at a crucial moment stereotyping transgender people as really men or woman who dress in the opposite sex's clothing. Can we help to understand who we are? Yes we can! (did someone say that before?) Heres Brendon's facebook fan page. Show some love. Be nice, help educate Brendon.

Invitation to yet Another Gay misogynist meaT Locker Drag Show!

I get a lot of negative feedback when I talk about my dislike of Drag. But sometimes I just got to say...

It degrades, objectifies and stigmatizes the most vulnerable of the LGBT community, usually trans woman but cisgender gay illusionists with little or no choices in life also suffer.

WESLEY RAYMOND HULL had taken it upon himself to invite me to yet another Drag show.

I would like to believe he's just T Totally ignorant of who I am but given my history of confronting Rupaul's Gay.com media mafia, and gay misogynists everywhere but that's a little hard to believe.

Just for the record. Do not invite me to these meat locker shows and I won't fuck with you.

Judge adds Sexual Orientation but not Gender Expression to Dallas county nondiscrimination policy

Time for the T to Step UP!

Judge Jenkins who won his job as chair Dallas County Commissioners Court on a promise to include sexual orientation and gender expression now says a definition of transgender needs to be established before gender expression can be added to the county's non discrimination policy.



Source Dallas Voice

"The Dallas County Commissioners
Court voted earlier today to add sexual orientation to the county’s employment nondiscrimination policy.

However, the amendment adding “sexual orientation” to the policy does not include gender identity/expression, meaning it covers gay and lesbian employees but not transgender workers.

County Judge Clay Jenkins, who chairs the Commissioners Court, and Commissioner Elba Garcia told Instant Tea they were under the impression that sexual orientation includes gender identity/expression, which it does not. Jenkins and Garcia, both Democrats who took office in January, spearheaded the proposal to add sexual orientation to the policy."

Those of us who helped with the emancipation of Dallas's "Miss T Dart" know that when a politico claims ignorance to the definition of transgender it is a usually just a excuse for non inclusivity.

Rafael McDonnell, a trusted ally, communications director of the Resource Center of Dallas has informed me that there was no communication between the Commission and any North Texas LGBT groups during the drafting of the amendment.

We can call and email the Commissioners using the list below or you can make a immediate impact by attending the next meeting. Here's the lowdown:

You must call 214-653-7886 and register with the clerk to speak.

The Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays in the County Administration Building, 411 Elm St. in Dallas. Google Map

County Judge Clay Jenkins – 214-653-7949
Email: Clay.Jenkins@DallasCounty.org

Dist. 1 Maurine Dickey – 214-653-7552
Email: Maurine.Dickey@DallasCounty.org

Dist. 2 Mike Cantrell – 214-653-6100
Email: MCantrell@DallasCounty.org

Dist. 3 John Wiley Price – 214-653-6671
Email: John.Price@DallasCounty.org

Dist. 4 Dr. Elba Garcia – 214-653-6670
Email: Elba.GarciaDDS@DallasCounty.org


Also in the The Dallas Morning News

Women’s and children’s groups debunk right wing's ’bathroom bill’ fallacy

Massachusetts. Local and national chapters of women's and children's advocacy groups and legal orginazations testified before the Massachusetts legislature on July 13th to repudiate the claims of extremist right wing religious groups that the passage of a transgender rights bill would give sexual predators access to women's bathrooms.

The following groups, among others, are on record presenting testimony that debunks the fallacies presented by the far right wing. The Massachusetts chapter of the National Organization for Women (Mass. NOW), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), the City of Boston Women’s Commission, the City of Cambridge Women’s Commission, the League of Women Voters, the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Victim Rights Law Center, and the Women’s Bar Association.

Some extremist right wing groups that claim religious affiliation have been attacking proposed transgender inclusive legislation by attempting to falsely label them a 'bathroom bill". This is a fear mongering tactic which in reality attacks woman's civil rights with misogynistic bigotry. This video is the latest from the inappropriately named group the 'Massachusetts Family Institute'.



1. Groups that use religion as a weapon to debase humanity are doing grevious harm to Christianity.
2. These lies have been perpetrated by men who are afraid that woman's rights will erode there power and status.

dym-sum blog #209: “Bathroom Bill” Propaganda Goes Too Far in Massachusetts

Bay windows Women’s and children’s groups rebut ’bathroom bill’ rhetoric

NH Senate Democrats Destroyed Transgender Rights

The New Hampshire Senate voted unanimously against transgender rights while simintaiously Senate democrates issued statements condemning the statements made by the opponents of transgender rights bill.

"That sounds like bullshit to me." ~kelli Busey

The Democrates were the ones using the oppositions "POTTY POLITICS" as the REASON they did NOT support the bill.

Now these same democrats have been made to be accountable and they are squirming.

'POTTY POLITICS' = 'TRANS PANIC'

********************************

Source The Boston Herald

"The Senate voted unanimously today to kill the bill, but only after
Democrats condemned what they said were distortions by opponents."

"Republicans called it the "bathroom bill" based on the argument it
would open all bathrooms to both men and women, putting women and
children at risk in women’s rooms."

"Supporters said that amounted to painting a straightforward
anti-discrimination bill as something it wasn’t. They said it would
protect a vulnerable group who identify with the gender opposite of
their birth."

Take Action for Transgender Equality in Maryland

Countdown - Take Action NOW for Trans Rights
Gender Identity Legislation Still Alive - Take Action! Legislation that would ban discrimination against transgender people in housing and employment is poised for a vote this week in committee. Please take action now to urge your legislators to vote yes on House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 566. Click here to send an email today. We truly need your support to make this proposed civil rights legislation state law.

This action alert will send a email to your legislators if you live in Maryland.

kelli's note~Equality Maryland has distinguished it's self as a true advocate for transgender causes. Please support Equality Maryland!

USA Refuses to Sign UN Gay and Transgender Rights Declaration

USA Refuses to Sign UN Gay Rights Declaration



The United States refused to sign the United Nations Gay Rights Declaration presented in December 2008.

Here's what you can do to change this:

ENGAGE
Have conversations with your neighbors, friends and family about LGBT rights.

QUESTION
Ask President-elect Barack Obama to support HRC's Blueprint for Positive Change.

UNITE
Powerful change results when more than 10,000,000 LGBT people come together.

ACT
Go to the National DOMA Protests on January 10 and stand among over a million people who want change.

LABOR
We will not rest until all LGBT people are given full and equal civil rights.

For more information, go to Join the Impact at
Join The Impact

Binghamton NY City council passes anti-discrimination bill

In a much anticipated event the Binghamton city Council acted to include protection of transgender people. According to an article by Neil St. Clair, News 10 Now

"It's another way to let people know that everyone has the same rights. In the old days, it was color, religion, whatever. Now it's size or sexual orientation. It just reinforces it," said Binghamton City Councilman Edward Collins.

The bill specifically protects transgendered and overweight individuals, along with other groups. It adds another legislative layer with respect to housing, employment and other areas of possible public discrimination.

"This law not only tracks New York State human rights law and the protections already enacted at the state level, it also extends some protections at the local level that have not yet passed at the state level," said Barrie Gewanter, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director.

Live in NY? Want to be involved? Click here to become a New York Civil Liberties Union Activist!

By Kelli Busey planetransgender December 16, 2008 email kellibusey@yahoo.com

A Christian Voice For Transgender People

The Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker's Blog, "Christian GLBT Rights.blogspot.com" proclaims

"A Church that doesn't provoke any crisis, a gospel that doesn't unsettle, a word of God that doesn't get under anyone's skin, a word of God that doesn't touch the real sin of society in which it is being proclaimed, what gospel is that? Archbishop Oscar Romero (1917-1980) "Never let other people define your reality or put you into bondage to their ways of thinking." Jerry Maneker.

A powerful message. Is it EQUALLY for GLB and Transgender people?

Among the pictures on ths blog are some very familiar ones,,,,,,


Rev. Mel White of Soulforce
***************************

Bishop V. Gene Robinson
**************************


Rev.Elder Troy Perry, Founder and Moderator of the UFMCC

By Kelli Busey
Sept. 21, 2008
planetransgender

Maryland Court Overturns Attempt to Roll Back Transgender Protections

The hotly contested transgender equality issue recently came to a head in Maryland. The ruling will become a cornerstone of GLBT unity. All members of our GRAND community selflessly united on behalf of fairness equality and justice!




Montgomery County transgender nondiscrimination law protected from repeal effort
September 09, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT:
Roberta Sklar, Communications Director
(Office) 646.358.1465
(Cell) 917.704.6358
rsklar@thetaskforce.org

We are thrilled to have our work and the work of our partners in Maryland vindicated. We were honored to help the Montgomery County LGBT community build a strong campaign from the ground up and see that building grassroots political power — and winning — is more than possible. We knew that there were not enough valid signatures collected and we are proud to have stood side by side with Equality Maryland, Basic Rights Montgomery, our legal partners and many volunteers to mount this legal challenge to the repeal effort. Had the measure reached the ballot, we are sure the fair-minded voters of Montgomery County would have rejected it as an attack on fundamental rights. We are excited that LGBT people in Maryland can now focus their efforts on passing a statewide ban on anti-transgender discrimination.”

— Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 8, 2008

Victory in Maryland: High Court Rules for Challengers to Illegal Referendum Petition That Attempted to Overturn a Transgender Anti-Discrimination Law


CONTACT:
Dan Furmansky, Executive Director
301-587-7500
Cell: 301-461-4900
Dan@EqualityMaryland.org

http://www.equalitymaryland.org/pr_2008/pr2008.09.08.htm
Dan@EqualityMaryland.org

Annapolis, Md. – In a one paragraph order issued today, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a challenge to a referendum that attempted to block a unanimously enacted transgender protection law.

“We’re pleased with this victory. The court ruled in our favor in our challenge to this improper referendum,” said Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal. “Though the order was brief we feel confident that we’ve stopped this referendum from being on November’s ballot.”

The court indicated that they will be releasing an opinion at a later time.

On November 13, 2007, the Montgomery County Council unanimously passed an act adding gender identity to the county's civil rights law in order to address discrimination against transgender individuals. A group calling itself Citizens for Responsible Government (CRG) sought to collect enough signatures on a referendum petition to block the law from going into effect. Lambda Legal, together with counsel retained by Equality Maryland, represented concerned Montgomery County registered voters who opposed CRG's flawed referendum effort to set back the clock on civil rights in Montgomery County. Lambda Legal and Equality Maryland argued that the number of signatures needed to put the referendum petition on the November general election ballot was insufficient and that the Montgomery County Board of Elections over-counted purported signature entries in violation of detailed statutes that safeguard the referendum process.

"This long overdue, crucial law is all about assuring that unchecked bias is not allowed to inhibit our neighbors' abilities to make a living or rent a home, and as a Montgomery County resident, I breathe a sigh of relief that this campaign to roll back anti-discrimination protections is now over," said Dan Furmansky, Executive Director of Equality Maryland. "While we are confident the voters of Montgomery County would have voted against rolling back this law, , it is far better that our transgender brothers and sisters be spared the rhetoric that the referendum proponents have subjected them to over the past year. Equality Maryland thanks Lambda Legal, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the law firm of Arnold and Porter, and the many volunteers who came together to assure that our laws in Montgomery County are on par with the 100 other jurisdictions nationally that protect residents from discrimination on the basis of gender identity."

Susan Sommer, Senior Counsel, and Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney, are on the case for Lambda Legal. Jonathan Shurberg, lead attorney for Equality Maryland, argued the case. The case is Doe et al. v. Montgomery County Board of Elections.

###

Equality Maryland is Maryland's largest LGBT civil rights organization, focused on making life better for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens of Maryland. Equality Maryland works to secure and protect the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Marylanders by promoting legislative initiatives on the state, county and municipal levels and educating the public about the issues faced by our diverse community.



Washington Post's articleWashington Post's article;

"Jonathan Shurberg attorney for Equality Maryland, which led the challenge of the ballot initiative, said the court's decision ensured the integrity of the referendum process."

"The court gave a ringing endorsement to the principle that ordinary citizens have the right to challenge and test the validity of a petition submitted to referendum," Shurberg said.


Lambda Legal Victory in Maryland "We're pleased with this victory. The court ruled in our favor in our challenge to this improper referendum," said Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal.

Human Rights Campaign's Human Rights Campaign's $20,000 Contribution to Basic Rights Montgomery to perserve the transgender equality law.



HRC’s Recent Transgender-Related Work