According to research from the and the , people who are transgender and/or gender non-conforming experience widespread discrimination across the country.
Now, new released by and the shows that 79 percent of transgender Texans have reported harassment or mistreatment in the workplace.
The new research also stated that respondents identifying as transgender or gender non-conforming while in grade school (K-12) reported a physical assault rate of 46 percent.
鈥淭his report graphically demonstrates the discrimination faced by Transgender Texans,鈥� Equality Texas interim executive director Chuck Smith says in a press release. 鈥淚n our state, where the right of self-determination is so valued, it is unconscionable that anyone would be denied the ability to earn a living, to live where they choose or to be educated.
According to the , the state does not currently prohibit discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity.
According to Daniel Williams of Equality Texas, community activism is bringing transgender issues forward, where gay rights may have previously owned the spotlight.
鈥淥ver the last decade or so, we鈥檝e seen an emergence of the trans[gender] community as a vocal and organized community,鈥� says Williams. 鈥淎nd I think that has made a huge difference, as more people have seen and come to know trans people in their lives.
Another key finding of the national report from last year was that minorities experienced the highest levels of transgender discrimination.
