Include trans folks in debate

I just finished reading Jennifer Vanasco’s article on “Grilling the Candidates” (CFP July 18). Seems to me that she had sadly forgotten that the GLBT community also consists of bisexual and transgender people. I understand that she had a need to get just certain questions answered by the candidates at their August 9 debate, but it may do some good to understand that all of the issues she brought up also affects bisexual and transgender Americans, in some cases worse than how it affects gays and lesbians.

I noticed that four of Vanasco’s questions centered on civil unions, marriage and families, which are all closely related. Bisexual and transgender people are also affected by anti-same-sex laws. Not all of those who identify as being bisexual want to be in an opposite-sex marriage. Many admit they are attracted to both sexes but choose to be with someone of the same sex. Marriage issues can affect transgender people in very drastic ways. When a “straight” couple gets married and one of the partners changes their sex, they can stay legally married. However, more and more states are looking for ways to change that to force the couple to divorce once the sex change has been completed.

Another thing is that the laws all read: “Marriage must be between a man and a woman.” What is the definition for “man” and for “woman?” Anything you try to nail down will have exceptions that can even affect the marriages of straight couples. So no definitions are given. However, the way the laws read in some states, transgender people are denied the right to marry anyone.

When it comes to families, transgender people get short-changed there as well. The courts in many states are a bit more lenient on a couple who is gay or lesbian, but look at transgender people as being pure evil and a bunch of perverts. Transgender people are vilified in courts and are not only denied seeing their children once the divorce is final, but are given a heavy child support payments to make. There have been a lot of exceptions to that, but they are not close to the rule.

Then there was the question about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I have worked closely with SLDN on this issue and I am aware that their official and published stance on it only mentions “gays and lesbians,” because the law only says “sexual orientation.” However unofficially, they have helped several transgender people who have also been caught up in this law because the military cannot differentiate between whom a person is attracted to and whom a person identifies as. It is important for others, other than SLDN’s official stance, that when they mention DADT to include bisexual and transgender people in the discussion.

It is important to note that the Uniting American Families Act has already affected transgender people who wish to come into this country, even if they are part of an opposite-sex couple and have been legally married in the country they came from. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been written to also cover transgender Americans and has nothing to do with two women kissing on a bus. That’s not an employment issue. And, even though she didn’t say “gay and lesbian” in No. 10, it is important to note that many transgender people are living with HIV/AIDS.

And finally, No. 9. It would be nice to see the new administration also include and appoint some transgender people as part of their team. It seems not all of the candidates are very trans-friendly, so it is up to all conscientious GLBT people to continue to ask for rights that will cover every American. As Martin Luther King once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The GLBT community needs to embrace that every moment we fight for our rights. No one should be left behind. Thank you.

Monica Helms

President, Transgender American Veterans Association and transgender delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention

Support Illinois Covered

For everyone disgusted by the nation’s entrenched and worsening healthcare crisis, there’s actually a glimmer of hope in Illinois.

Despite a political stalemate paralyzing work in Springfield, Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Senate leaders have advanced a new scaled-back proposal to vastly extend affordable healthcare to thousands of Illinois residents. The new plan offers a more modest business tax to finance healthcare expansion for low- and moderate-income Illinoisans. Even small businesses would receive relief for the spiraling costs of providing health insurance for their employees.

Members of the GLBT community should recognize this effort as a singular moment to improve the lives of the tens of thousands of our friends, family members, and loved ones—and likely ourselves. People who are self-employed, unemployed, low-wage workers or simply working without coverage or adequate coverage stand to benefit.

As many as 10,000 Illinoisans living with HIV/AIDS—a majority of whom are people of color—could receive comprehensive healthcare insurance, including prescription drug coverage. With an estimated one in four gay and bisexual men living with HIV (higher among black and Latino men), it’s easy to see how significant such a plan would be. Beyond HIV, the plan would allow for regular screening for cancer, cover prenatal care and provide preventative services, lifesaving prescription drugs and assistance for other health services.

This critical opportunity will only be realized if Illinois voters demand that lawmakers make it happen. The time to say no to “sicko” healthcare, which benefits the few and puts all our lives in peril, is now. Don’t let this chance for meaningful healthcare reform pass us by: Call your legislator today!

David Ernesto Munar

Vice President for Policy & Communications, AIDS Foundation of Chicago