WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus has announced the creation of the new Transgender Equality Task Force, to be chaired by Rep. Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley).
“To this day, transgender people face formidable barriers in employment, housing, health, education, and other areas. And to end the ongoing violence and discrimination transgender people experience, we need everyone’s help and support,” said Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan, Trans/Gender Non-Confirming Justice Project Director, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund who attended today’s press conference that launched the task force. “We’re elated to see the formation of the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force. We thank the LGBTQ Equality Caucus for their ongoing efforts to advance legislation that extends critical protections to LGBTQ people.”
The new Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force will work to develop legislation and other initiatives to ensure that transgender people have equal access and treatment under the law. Members of the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force also include Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-5), Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3), Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-8), Rep. Joe Kennedy (MA-4), and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
“This week, as we seek to raise awareness of the issues facing the trans community, it is important to renew our commitment to help trans individuals be free of the fear of violence or bullying just for being who they are,” said Representative Honda. “It is my hope that by launching this workforce and holding a first-ever forum, we will reach some of my colleagues and encourage them to stand with the trans community. It is only through social change that we can truly elevate the conversation in this country and reach a place of true understanding and embrace all people for who they are.”
