“Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the resolution amending the rules and regulations to change ‘handicap’ language to ‘disability,’ add voluntary mediation for age discrimination, and include voluntary mediation for sexual orientation and gender identity,” stated Arlette Cooper Tinsley, the Director of the Columbus Human Rights Commission.

For the past six months, the Commission has solicited input from the community on the scope and type of discrimination that is occurring in the Columbus area. INTRAA’s Discrimination Story Collection Project has participated in this effort to raise awareness about discrimination faced by transgender and gender variant people. Also, at the December 20 public hearing, INTRAA Board Member and Instructor at the Kelley School of Business, Deanna Lahre, testified about her experience teaching as a transgender woman Indiana University-Purdue University at Columbus (IUPUC).

INTRAA extends its deepest gratitude to Ms. Lahre for sharing her story at the hearing as well as to the Commission sub-committee headed up by Ian Kohen, with members John Roberts and John Stroh for their efforts in responding to community concerns by compiling and submitting these recommendations to the full Commission.

“Even though the remedy is currently voluntary mediation, we are nonetheless encouraged that a municipal entity has recognized that discrimination is occurring and should not go unchecked,” commented Vivian Benge, President of INTRAA. “We commend the Human Rights Commission for its diligence in this matter and for taking this step to help improve the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Columbus.”

“While INTRAA is disappointed in this outcome, we are confident that this process has raised the level of debate and laid a solid foundation for future victory,” stated Leigh Anne Richards, President of the Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (INTRAA). “We are confident that ultimately the citizens of South Bend and all Hoosiers will be protected. It is not a question of if, but when.”

South Bend would have become the third city in Indiana to protect its transgender citizens, joining Indianapolis and Bloomington, who added gender identity to their anti-discrimination ordinances in the past year. Nationwide over 250 jurisdictions include sexual orientation, 90 of which also include gender identity/expression.

“South Bend Equality demonstrated courage and skill in leading the effort to prevent discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in their community,” said Vivian Benge, Vice President of INTRAA. “Those who raised their voices for fairness in South Bend deserve our gratitude and support as they continue their efforts for equality.”

South Bend Equality was formed to create equal protection under the law for all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. For more information on South Bend Equality, visit the organization’s website at http://www.sbequality.org.

The Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (INTRAA) is a statewide advocacy organization working to ensure equality and fairness for all Hoosiers regardless of Gender Identity and Expression. Since its inception in April 2002, INTRAA has been dedicated to building a strong transgender and allied community to act as a force for positive change in Indiana. For more information about INTRAA visit our website at http://www.intraa.org.