February 16, 2017

The Honorable John J. Flanagan

New York State Senate
Room 330
State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12247

Dear Senator Flanagan:

For far too long Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) citizens have not been
explicitly protected in the text of New York States Human Rights Law. The bill to remedy this
situation is the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, better known as GENDA.

In a national transgender survey just released two months ago, it was found that:

29% of the respondents were living in poverty. That is two (2) times the rate of the
U.S. population!
30% reported being fired, denied a promotion, or mistreated on the job
15% were unemployed. That is three (3) times higher than the national average
(5%). Transgender people of color were unemployed at four (4) times the average!
16% reported owning a home. That compares to a 63% average nationwide
30% reported being homeless at one time in their life
70% of those using a homeless shelter reported some form of mistreatment
Is it any wonder that 40% of the respondents had attempted suicide?

We know you are well aware that justice knows no gender. The New York TGNC Community
needs permanent explicit protections from harmful discrimination in housing, employment, and
the same access to government-owned facilities and services afforded to the general public and
to the services of privately owned businesses.

There are tangible economic costs to the State when employment discrimination takes place.
When transgender employees lose their jobs, they and their families will likely utilize public
assistance programs to replace lost income and insurance coverage. For example, major
programs for cash assistance and medical coverage in New York include unemployment
benefits, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), Childrens Medicaid, and Child Health Plus. Participation in these programs and
services by displaced transgender workers increases the cost of these programs to New York
State taxpayers.

Many transgender people who are able to find employment often take jobs with much lower
pay than the positions they held prior to their gender transition. The result is that state and
federal governments receive lower income tax and other revenues. A 2013 Williams Institute
report estimates employment discrimination cost the state over $1 million annually.

Forcing transgender people out of housing has cost as much as $5.9 million annually in federal
and state housing expenditures related to public assistance, homelessness, or temporary
housing.

Protecting transgender people with anti-discrimination laws is not a new idea. Nineteen states
and the District of Columbia currently have statutes covering discrimination on the basis of
gender identity and gender expression. In New York State, all our major cities have enacted
clear and permanent protections. Additionally, in Suffolk County where your district is located,
transgender protections have been law since 2001!

You will recall that transgender advocates from Long Island and around the state have pleaded
for your support of GENDA for years. You consistently told advocates and constituents that you
would support the bill if it was ever brought to the Senate floor for a vote. As Senate Majority
Leader, you have the power to move this desperately needed legislation to the Senate floor.
The fact that for fourteen years the New York State Senate has failed to bring GENDA to the
floor for a vote is an embarrassment to all New Yorkers who value equality.

Governor Cuomo supports the passing of GENDA. The New York State Assembly has passed the
bill for nine (9) straight years. It is time for the New York State Senate to bring this important
bill to the floor for a vote and passage.

We strongly believe that our state political leaders should support legislation that protects its
most vulnerable constituents. Your position as Majority Leader includes having the influence
and the power to become a true champion for equality in our beloved state. It is time to show
your belief in the principles of equality and justice that have made our state a leader in equal
rights for its diverse populations.

Bring GENDA to the floor of the Senate for passage in the 2017 Legislative Session!

Respectfully yours,