Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act

Despite very little fanfare, the Gender Indentity Anti-Discrimination Act of 2011 was formally introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates by Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk and Del. Ariana Kelly. A hearing in the House Government & Operations Committee is slated for February 14,2011.

You may locate your elected officials here and offer them this request:

SUBJECT: Support FULL equality for Transgender Marylanders

My name is [YOUR FULL NAME] and I live in your district at [ENTER YOUR ADDRESS].


I am writing to urge you to vote for A Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act which protects Transgender Marylanders are the SAME level as Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Age, Disability, Marital Status, Sexual Orientation, or National Origin by INCLUDING PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS. This bill is important to me because I believe that ALL Marylanders deserve protections and respect, regardless of their gender identity.


Only by passing a FULLY protective GIADA can Maryland truly be called the Free State, where everyone is treated equally.


Thank you!

We applaud the efforts of legislators and LBGT organizations who wish to promote a FULL GIANA in 2011.

Thank you for your political courage!!

House Bill 235

The Maryland House of Delegates introduced Human Relations - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity - Antidiscrimination, on Wednesday January 26, 2011. The bill, assigned HB 235 has finally appeared for review on the House's website.

The bill is drawing mixed reactions from the transgender community of Maryland for its omission of "public accommodations" and debate is forming as to the political strategy being employed with such move. A move without the involvement or awareness of those so effected.

Please read the bill and remember, The places where transmen and transwomen are most often discriminated against are in public accommodations.