Mycroft Masada is a nonbinary trans and queer Jewish leader with 30 years of experience who moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland (Montgomery County near Washington DC) from their lifelong home of Boston in 2014. A TransEpiscopal Steering Committee member and former Congregation Am Tikva board member, Mycroft is particularly called to pursue LGBTQ+ and fat justice, and is an advocate, organizer, consultant, educator, trainer, writer and artist. They are married to Julia McCrossin, the mas(s)culine fatshion blogger, and with her they co-parent a dogter. Their central online home is MasadArts.blogspot.com.


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Friday, August 1, 2008

House Bill 1722 – An Act Relative To Gender-Based Discrimination And Hate Crimes

House Bill 1722: An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes would add the category of “gender identity or expression” to Massachusetts’ non-discrimination and hate crime laws. It would protect ALL people from discrimination based on their gender identity or expression in employment, housing, credit, public accommodations, and public education.
This bill will also hold accountable those who perpetrate hate crimes because of a victim’s gender identity or expression.

Transgender people as well as others who do not conform to common expectations of “men’s” and “women’s” gender expression are subject to daily harassment and discrimination. Things many of us take for granted, such as obtaining jobs and housing, attending school, and visiting restaurants are difficult and dangerous for the transgender members of our community. Transgender people are often fired and assaulted. If passed, this bill will help secure basic civil rights for transgender people and all others.

I testified at the bill’s public hearing on March 4th. You can read my testimony at the Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality (ICTE) blog (and soon here at my site).

Yesterday, Thursday July 31st, was the last day of the Massachusetts legislative session. So at midnight, it became official that the bill would not leave study committee or therefore pass.

Even as we grieve, we continue our work, and the former inspires the latter. The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) and its legislative sponsors will refile the bill in January, with a different number and perhaps name. The plan for between now and January is being discussed. When I know what I can share, I’ll let you know.

This law is so long overdue, and more desperately needed every day. Please join me in doing all that you can to help the bill pass into law.

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