People who are transgender face some of the most complex forms of discrimination today and unfortunately, most Floridians do not understand their many unique challenges. Many of the everyday-simple tasks we take for granted, like, for example, showing identification for a job interview, can be exceedingly stressful and risky.

Why It matters:

Transgender people have always been an integral part of our community.  Together, the LGBT community shares similar goals to gain social and legislative equality.  From marriage rites to employment protections, people who are transgender seek the same equal protections that lesbian and gay people seek.  Transgender people want the same security, dignity, and respect that employment offers all Americans.

What We're Doing:

As part of SAVE Dade’s five year plan, passage of a trans-inclusive Miami-Dade Human Rights Ordinance is a priority.  To do this we are continuing to build a coalition of organizations that will work together to ensure protections are secured for all of Miami-Dade’s transgender citizens.

SAVE Dade is a sponsor and organizing committee member of TransCon, South Florida’s only conference dedicated solely to the health and wellbeing of people who are transgender and their allies. This year’s conference will have a legal and advocacy focus. Held in October, we expect over 200 people from across the state to attend and discuss issues related to transgender equality with national speakers.

How You Can Make A Difference:

Become a volunteer and join our organizing committing for the 2011 TransCon. Please email CJ Ortuno at cj@savedade.org for more information

You can help build a movement for transgender equality by helping SAVE Dade pass a trans-inclusive Miami-Dade Human Rights Ordinance. Byy lobbying, organizing, and fundraising, you can make employment protections a reality for one of our most vulnerable populations.

To get started in this effort, be a part of our Adopt-A-Legislator Project and help educate lawmakers that trans-inclusive nondiscrimination policies makes sense for Florida.

Become a trained speaker by attending our Speaker’s Bureau Training and learn how to tell your story to your friends and family or to the “movable middle” voter.