Yesterday, the people of Massachusetts voted overwhelmingly to uphold rights for transgender people, making history as the first state to approve non-discrimination protections for trans people by public vote.
“Last night’s historic victory in Massachusetts is a bright point in this incredibly dark and painful time for our communities, demonstrating the power of a campaign led by and centering transgender people,” said Kris Hayashi, executive director of Transgender Law Center. “Yesterday showed that in the midst of intense political attack, our neighbors, families, and friends can see through the fear-mongering by people in power and take action to respect the dignity and humanity of transgender people. Congratulations to Massachusetts and the thousands of dedicated people who worked to bring the Yes on 3 campaign to victory.”
Earlier this year, the city of Anchorage, Alaska became the first place in the country where protections for transgender people were put to a vote and won. Anti-transgender activists in Montana attempted to get a similar measure on the ballot there, but failed to gain enough signatures.
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Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.