Transgender job fair in Los Angeles

In the current economic climate, finding (or keeping) a steady job can be a daunting task for just about anyone, but especially for transgender people.A study from 2006 showed that even in progressive San Francisco 35% of transgender people were unemployed due to discrimination and fear from employers.

In response to the challenges transgender people face, last weekend the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center held a transgender friendly job fair as part of the center's annual Trans-Unity Pride celebration.The fair featured 17 employers actively seeking out the transgender community and included a seminar educating employers on the legal rights of transgender employees.

In California it is illegal to discriminate against LGBT people in employment, housing and many other areas, thanks to legislation sponsored by EQCA.  However, in reality the high standards set by our laws are not always met in the job market.  That’s why programs like the Center’s job fair are critical to seeing real change.

While the LAGLC’s program can help on a micro level, there is still more we can do in the legislature. One obstacle that can prevent transgender individuals from finding employment is that an employee background check does not match their identity.

That challenge is one reason why EQCA has sponsored the Equal ID Act. The legislation, which is awaiting a California State Senate vote, would allow qualified transgender people born in California to obtain a new birth certificate reflecting the correct gender and possible name change.