The fact that a group is compiling data on the trans experience means so much to the community of transgender people.
Danielle Stewart, a community activist and advocate, ranks West Virginia as one of the worst states when it comes to trans justice. There are anti-discrimination laws in place in a number of places, including Beckley.
According to Stewart, there are misunderstandings—many of which are deliberate—and the transgender practice review can help dispel them.
One common misunderstanding is that lawsuits may result from the creation of non-discrimination legislation. She claims that you will only have a lawsuit if you discriminate.
“People want the freedom to discriminate. They want to discriminate against a group of people,” said Stewart, referring to the West Virginia Legislature and the regulations they’re trying to pass. “Private satisfaction, I believe, is 97 percent of transgender people who are happy when they transition.” And I’m willing to bet that the three percent who aren’t simply want to live and be who you are without discrimination, which is more economic problems.
Danielle transitioned in 2017 and claimed that after 23 years in the military, she hasn’t had to worry about being turned down for a job because she already has volunteers.
However, those who have confided in her claim that it can be difficult because of work and housing approval. She dispels the myths once others understand where she’s coming from.
She claimed to be a very open person and said, “Here’s this man, they want to have just like I want to food,” “They want to house just as I want to house,” and “they want to job just so I want a job.” “Part of that is to demonstrate that I want the same things that you all do and am just like everyone else.”
Religion has a significant impact; few LGBTQ (trans people in particular) attend church services. Danielle claims that the church expelled them, not because they aren’t religious or spiritual. She claims that the legislature’s passage of the Fairness Act is what we need at the state level.
According to Stewart, “The fact that these temples are denying God to these people because of their values, not out of God,” is what enrages me more than the bias. That is a true drama, too.
According to the most recent study conducted in West Virginia, trans children make up the majority of our population. Danielle would like to see more records at the state level.
Which, according to Stewart, is essentially adding gay rights to the non-discrimination state law. “We’re trying to make West Virginia this tourist destination, this inviting spot, so there are so many advantages to that.” However, you immediately notice that “no, we don’t want you here.”
The Equality Act, on the federal level, keeps passing through Congress and going nowhere. It may include significant rights for the LGBTQ community because federal law supersedes state laws for non-discrimination and may reduce culture war. The most important thing, according to Danielle, is to just meet people where they are.
“Can’t change the pronoun names of a trans person.” The community activist/advocate said, “It’s a decision.” “Those little things make it easier for trans people.” There is no real reason never to, and it’s just not that difficult.
“Hey, I’m who I am, all these folks growing up in West Virginia.
And our state is telling you to leave because we don’t want you here. Employment is a major issue. We have people here who want to work but people won’t hire them,” Stewart said, talking at the state level about cutting benefits for people. That can be resolved with the easy passage of the Fairness Act.
