[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="304"] Using children to perpetuate discrimination[/caption]
Google must have a sense of humor. Their ad network displays relevant ads on websites that use their service. So far I've found the ads on Crossdresser Heaven to be mostly interesting and relevant. Ads for crossdressing stores, or woman's clothes - things that your average red blooded, blonde wig wearing crossdresser might want to check out.
Imagine my shock when I visited Crossdresser Heaven to find this ad prominently displayed! It's an ad by a right wing organization (that I won't grace with a link) that opposes ENDA - The Employment Non-Discrimination Act. What better way to perpetuate discrimination than taking advantage of children, distorting facts and sowing fear? Reading this ad one would think that once ENDA passes that perverted sex offenders in dresses would be in our schools molesting our kids.
This could not be further from the truth. Given recent scandals I'll wager it's more likely you should watch out for the priest in your local church than a transgender woman. It's also offensive and ignorant to classify transgender women as 'men in dresses'. Though it makes for a compelling stereotype, this statement makes it clear they've never met a transgender woman - or perhaps they have and they just don't know it 🙂
What is ENDA?
In a nutshell, if this law were to pass it would make it illegal for employers to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Much like it's illegal today to discriminate against people because of the color of their skin. Many ladies who have transitioned to living as a woman full time say they that it is difficult to find work because they are transgendered. ENDA would give them a fair shot at earning a living and taking care of their families. The Human Rights Campaign has a website describing more details about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
Why Should Crossdressers Care About ENDA?
If you ever plan to transition then it should be quite clear why ENDA is an important law to protect your livelihood. But even if you have no plans to spend every day as a woman a strong, healthy and financially viable transgender community is invaluable to the part time crossdresser. The counseling centers, support groups and even transgender friendly businesses flourish when the community has the financial means to support them. They wouldn't be selling size 12W high heels if there was no market for them 🙂
Have I inspired you to take action? Good! The easiest thing you can do to support ENDA is to write your congressman in support of it, you'll find a list of their contact details here. Your local transgender group might have more activities you can become involved in as well, so give them a call.
P.S. For what it's worth, I filtered these ads from Crossdresser Heaven...