Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (INTRAA)

Michigan Women’s Music Festival ends policy of discrimination against Transwomen

Monday, 08. 21. 2006  –  Section: TransNews, Vault

(August 21, 2006) After 15 years of controversy, supporters welcome transwomen to 'the land' HART, MICHIGAN - The Michigan Women's Music Festival began admitting openly trans (transgender/transsexual) women last week, bringing success to a longstanding struggle by trans activists both inside and outside the festival. "Seeing trans women inside the festival for the first time brought me to tears," said Sue Ashman, who attends the festival every year. "It's restored my faith in women's communities." Ashman said "I have friends who ...

Kalamazoo County, MI adds gender identity and sexual orientation to nondiscrimination policy

Wednesday, 08. 16. 2006  –  Section: TransNews, Vault

Another midwest victory! A county in southwestern Michigan, Kalamazoo County (pop. 238'000), has added gender identity and sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination list. After over two years of difficult work, the change has come not a moment too soon for county workers and officials who supported the proposal. "I'm so stunned it happened. I'm so happy," said Karen Pease, a county worker who vied for the change in 2004 when it was first proposed. "I'm really proud to work for the ...

American Bar Association Report Advocates for Nondiscrimination Laws

Tuesday, 08. 15. 2006  –  Section: TransNews, Vault

The American Bar Association's (ABA) policy-making House of Delegates met on August 7th and 8th to debate an array of issues "critical to the profession and the nation." The ABA House voted to urge federal, state, local and territorial governments to enact legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in employment, housing and public accommodations. With more than 410,000 members, the ABA is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. The ABA House ...

South Bend HRO Amendment One Vote Shy of Passage

Thursday, 07. 20. 2006  –  Section: Featured, INTRAAupdates, IndianaNews

(South Bend) - By a vote of 5 to 4, the South Bend Common Council declined to amend the City's Human Rights Ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The Council heard public testimony well past midnight as hundreds of concerned residents packed the Chamber. "While INTRAA is disappointed in this outcome, we are confident ...

Western Michigan University includes transgender in nondiscrimination policy

Thursday, 06. 22. 2006  –  Section: TransNews, Vault

Here's some great news! Another midwestern college has added gender identity and expression to their nondiscrimination policy. Western Michigan University has become the 68th institution of higher learning (see full list of colleges and universities that protect trans folks) to extend such protections to transgender students, faculty, and staff. Here in Indiana, Depauw University in Greencastle already includes gender identity in its nondiscrimination policy. Work is underway at other campuses as well.  Stay tuned for updates... or ...