The Evolution of Transgender Rights in America
By Christine Kinori
The struggle for civil rights is woven into the fabric of American history through narratives of resilience, enduring challenges and progress. Among the many groups clamoring for recognition and equality are the transgender individuals who continue to face violence, marginalization and discrimination in society. Although considerable strides have been made in recent years toward recognition and protection of transgender rights, the journey towards equality and the fight for their human rights still continues.
The transgender community in the United States has been historically discriminated against in military enrollment, health care, employment, incarceration, and marriage, in addition to so many other aspects of everyday life. As a result, transgender people are more likely to experience homelessness, mental illnesses, and unemployment than cisgender people.
The evolution of transgender rights can be traced back to the early 20th century, but significant efforts began to take shape in the latter half of the century. Specifically, the Stonewall Riots of 1969, often cited as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ movement, brought about the dawn of transgender activism. Over the decades, the movement has achieved essential legal milestones, starting from the enacting of laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in Minnesota in 1975. Subsequent victories that signaled progress towards greater acceptance include the addition of gender identity in hate crimes and the repealing of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. In 2020, a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirmed Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protecting LGBTQ+ employees from workplace discrimination, hailed as a significant victory for transgender rights activists.
Moreover, the Biden administration swiftly moved to reverse discrimination policies targeting transgender individuals after taking office. For instance, the government repealed a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. In addition, the administration has issued executive orders to combat gender identity-based discrimination in housing, healthcare, access to public facilities, and schools. At the state level, legislation has been introduced and enacted to protect transgender rights.
Education and advocacy play a pivotal role in the evolution and advancement of transgender rights by fostering greater understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals within American society. Organizations stemming from the grassroots and LGBTQ+ allies continue to work tirelessly to increase awareness, promote inclusive policies, and challenge stereotypes. In addition, efforts have been made in schools to incorporate inclusive curriculums supporting transgender students. Furthermore, activists continue to advance cultural competency training for healthcare providers, signifying critical steps towards creating safer and more supportive environments for transgender individuals.
However, despite considerable steps in the advancement of transgender rights, individuals continue to face formidable obstacles in their quest for equality. Some states continue to propose and pass bills targeting transgender youths, such as restricting access to gender-affirming health care or participation in sports according to their gender identity. For instance, states such as Arkansas, Mississippi, Idaho, and Tennesee have passed bills seeking to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in sports teams consistent with their gender identity. Other restrictive laws include restriction of access to students’ accommodations and facilities, access to gender-affirming healthcare, and limitation of the legal recognition of gender identity.
These measures and bills targeting transgender rights have sparked intense legal challenges and debates, with opponents arguing that the restrictive laws infringe upon the basic human rights of transgender individuals and are against the principles of non-discrimination and equality. Therefore, the fight for transgender human rights continues with groups advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Civil rights organizations and medical organizations are mobilizing against discrimination and emphasizing the importance of protecting and affirming transgender rights in American society.
About the Author
Christine Siamanta Kinori grew up in a little village in Kenya known as Loitoktok near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. All she wanted to do when she grew up was to explore the world. Her curiosity led her to join Nairobi University to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She later got a job with an amazing travel magazine Nomad Africa which gave her the opportunity to explore Africa. She also writes for numerous travel websites about Africa and tries to create a new narrative in the media about our aesthetic continent.
Christine claims to have somewhat unhealthy addiction to TV and reading, as it is a fun way to keep herself occupied during the long journeys for her travel writing. She is also a believer of letting people be their beautiful selves. To her, love is love and it is the greatest gift we have as humans.
