Kicking Off Transgender Awareness Week

Today marks the start of Transgender Awareness Week. We plan to celebrate by posting news and stories as well as resources for Christians who want to welcome transgender folks and their families in their congregations.

In New Hampshire, Stacie Laughton became the first transgender lawmaker elected in the state when she won a seat in the state’s House of Representatives.

Laughton hopes her win will inspire the LGBT community: “We are people, too, who still have talents and ideas. And I hope that people won’t be afraid to get into politics, or any other position, for that matter. I want the community to feel inspired.”

In other news, the San Francisco Health Commission voted last week to expand their coverage for transgender patients. The city’s Healthy SF program will now offer transition-related care to transgender patients.

As the Transgender Law Center explains, transgender Californians experience unemployment and poverty at rates twice the state average. This new policy will support San Franciscans who lack health insurance as well as those whose current policies exclude transition-related expenses.

Cyd Nova, a trans health care provider, celebrates this decision: “I often see participants at the clinic who face the predicament of choosing between saving money for transition related care or meeting basic needs. This resolution supports a move towards a healthy and empowered trans community.”

We hope you will join with us this week as we observe Transgender Awareness Week!

Image Flickr Sam T (samm4mrox)