By excluding a group based on identity, it creates a division, and humans (as we are) will begin to look for the outwards signs of that inward identity that we’ve placed on the dividing line. This may or may not be conscious, but it is our nature. Once we’ve figured out who “they” are then we have them in a box, separate from us. Whether that box is for ridicule, pity, or envy, and whether or not we support the people on the other side of the line, it’s a separation.

And this is where the discussion is simply a matter of values. Where some value and celebrate differences and find unity in diversity, there are some who believe that lines should be drawn, safety in homogeneity, stick with your own kind. I wish more of the former were in positions of power, and I hope to cast my vote, and write my letters, in support of those people.

also, thinking about how the movement would next proceed if the bill passed in its lite form– would the LGB activists keep working with the trans community to get ‘next steps’ accomplished, to further trans rights? it’s nice to think that they would help, and i’m sure the whole LGB community would stand behind future efforts for trans rights, but i think it’s safe to say that there would no longer be the same level of pressure.

thanks for sharing and explaining your views.

But, as you’ve pointed out, if nothing else, they should oppose ENDA-lite purely out of their own self-interest.

Today two more legal groups that are in the trenches fighting discriminatory firings added their critiques of ENDA-lite, being the latest to say it’s only likely to protect those who are straight-acting. “[It's] a bill no competent attorney representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community would ever support” said the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

The Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders said: “As GLAD knows from the calls we get on our InfoLine, the discrimination experienced by many gay men, lesbians and bisexuals is based not directly on their sexual orientation, but on their presentation — their gender identity or expression. They are “too feminine” or “too masculine” and they make employers uncomfortable — and they’re fired.”

The butch who was thrown out of the Caliente Cab Co. restaurant in NYC (on Pride Day no less) because a bouncer thought she was too butch to pee in the women’s restroom is an example of how gender expression affects gays and lesbians without “passing privilege.” BTW, it’s notable that the main thrust of the lawsuit she filed is that the restaurant violated NYC’s protections on gender expression. While the lawsuit also alleged violations of sexual orientation, want to bet the restaurants lawyers will argue they didn’t because (and admittedly I’m assuming here) there were other lesbians in the bar. Which is, as GLAD noted, the same argument employers can and do make today.

Bottom line, gender identity/expression protections protect everyone, not just trans people.