Dr Oz Show Features Segment on Transgender Kids

Dr. Mehmet Oz a cardiothoracic surgeon and author who hosts the Dr. Oz Show had a segment today on transgender children. The show featured a child who is a trans girl, and a teen who is a trans boy as well as their supportive families, and a knowledgeable and trans-affirming surgeon.





The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and Trans Youth Family Allies attended the taping and have said the show is one of the most supportive and informative mini segments to ever hit national television.

Dr. Oz has asked for feedback about the segment and we encourage you all to applaud his efforts and encourage more shows of this nature in the future.

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The Stories Keep Me Going...

As an activist I sometimes fear that after a given amount of time I will fall into what is sometimes called "activist burnout" when politically motivated individuals just give up because change has not come fast enough. Most activists are familiar with the term or the concept and try to find ways to avoid this pitfall.

It's the emails like the one I received today from readers of the blog who keep me afloat and the heartfelt stories that people share with me every week. Today a MtF teen shared her story of discrimination, her fears, hopes and aspirations. I told her that she has her whole life ahead of her and that even though she is going through a rough time that she will have better days ahead and she can truly become an agent of change. I don't know her and she doesn't know me, but it's stories like hers that motivate me to continue the fight for full equality, dignity, and respect for all LGBT people.

I hope you will join me, because even saving one life, makes a world of difference!

Demand McDonald's Offer Protections Based on Gender Identity/Expression

The worlds largest fast food chain McDonald's has been under the spotlight after an Orlando manager refused to hire a seventeen year old transgender woman Zikkeria Bellamy because of her gender identity. The manager harassed the teen by leaving a voice-mail saying: "You will not get hired, we do not hire faggots" The manager of that location has since been fired, but the corporate policy still does not include protections on the basis of gender identity/expression.

McDonald's issued this press release regarding the incident:

"McDonald’s has a strict policy prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment in hiring, termination, or any other aspect of employment in the organization. The restaurant requires all employees to comply with local, state and federal employment laws." (GLAAD)

Please urge McDonald's to alter their corporate policy regarding employment practice to include protections on the basis of gender identity/expression.

Also, be sure to sign our act.ly petition to McDonald's on Twitter.

Justice for Angie Zapata

Angie Zapata an 18 year old Greeley, CO teen was murdered for being transgender. The trial for the alleged killer began today, and it is the first time gender identity has been applied to a hate crimes investigation within the state of Colorado. Her family and friends want to make sure that people who are transgender are fully accepted and protected by our society.



Please check out the following links:

Angie Zapata

GLAAD's Angie Zapata Kit

End Hate. Light a candle for Angie on facebook!