Transgender individuals often face discrimination, hate and bigotry for simply expressing their true selves. The Assembly has once again passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) to fight for transgender folks to be themselves without fear. GENDA protects the rights of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers and makes gender identity and expression one of the state’s protected classes so that no one can be denied essentials like housing, health care, education and employment solely because of who they are (A.747).

“For over a decade, the Assembly has passed GENDA, only to see the measure ignored in the Senate. However, with new Senate leadership that stands with the Assembly and shares the belief that all New Yorkers deserve to be treated with equality, respect, dignity and compassion, we will make history and make GENDA law. This will be an important win for equality and vital recognition of our transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming neighbors and friends in our communities.”

This is a fight the Assembly Majority has never taken lightly. With a federal administration driven by fear and intolerance, hell-bent on rolling back civil rights, it’s up to us to spread love, not hate. For the transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers who have been treated unfairly under the law for far too long, this is your victory.