In support of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill, “An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights,” Melissa Savage, Director of The Triangle Program at Arbour-HRI Hospital testified June 8th as a representative of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
“In my work as a social worker, I hear the stories of trauma experienced in the form of verbal abuse, sexual harassment, physical abuse, sexual assault, hate crimes, homelessness, military discharges, job loss and emotional abuse to name just a few,” she said in her statement.
She continued, “An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights” represents a message for hope for a safer more inclusive and productive society. Ending discrimination leads to healthcare savings, supports a healthier economy, and improves the quality of life for everyone.”
The Transgender Equal Rights Bill would add “gender identity and expression” to existing Massachusetts civil rights laws. These laws currently prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin,
sexual orientation, sex, and marital status in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. The bill would also add gender identity to the list of offenses that are subject to treatment as hate crimes.