A report back from COLAGE Kids of Trans Program Coordinator, Monica Canfield-Lenfest.
As the daughter of a transgender parent, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act matters to me and my family. In this economic climate, I know that thousands of LGBTQ families like mine need federal protections to ensure that parents are able to provide for their families. Every family deserves access to housing, food, and having their basic needs met, regardless of their parents’ sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
With these truths in my heart, I flew to DC for the National Center for Transgender Equality’s Lobby Day. I spent a full day training with transgender advocates and allies. I was energized by the stories of transgender people and their family members, as we prepared to meet with our Members of Congress. On Tuesday, I joined the California contingent for meetings with staff for Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein, then met with Speaker Pelosi’s staff. We each shared a snippet of our personal stories about the importance of ENDA for ourselves, our families, and our communities. We left with a simple message – The time to pass ENDA is NOW.
Tell Congress that ENDA matters to you and your family!
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask to speak to your Representative (have your zip code handy and they’ll help identify your member of Congress).
When you are connected with your Representative’s office, give your name and your city and then let them know:
I am calling in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H. R. 3017/S. 1584), which will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from job discrimination. No one deserves to be fired from their job because of who they are. Please vote yes for ENDA.