We’re more alike than different.
You’ve probably heard the expression before. It’s often said when two people or groups with dissimilar backgrounds, races or sexual orientations try to find common ground, some belief or experience that will help them better understand one another and peacefully co-exist. The saying is especially powerful with respect to transgender equality, the topic of this month’s cover story.
During an interview for the article, Transgender Law Center Executive Director Masen Davis spoke eloquently and passionately about recent legal and legislative victories for transgender rights and the challenges that remain. Access to employment and health care tops the list of challenges, he said. Like everyone else, transgender Americans want to work without fear of being fired, or denied a job, based on discrimination. They also want the security of knowing they’ll be covered if they become ill and require medical attention.
These are some of the basic rights and opportunities lesbians, gay men and other historically marginalized people have struggled to attain. And yet, a recent study co-sponsored by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality shows that 55 percent of the transgender people surveyed lost a job due to bias, 19 percent were denied medical care, and all were four times more likely than anyone else to live in poverty.
On page 28, Mattie Leyden of Palm Springs reveals the obstacles she overcame to transition from a confused, unhappy life as a man to a fulfilling and purposeful one as a woman. She now volunteers as an advocate to provide support and the tools transgender residents, such as Nick Reoh of Yucca Valley, need to be who they are and lead the authentic lives they want.