Crosby Burns on LGBT Discrimination Outside the Workplace

Where else do gay and transgender Americans face discrimination besides work?

Many Americans know that gay and transgender workers face discrimination and harassment on the job. But unfortunately, gay and transgender Americans also experience high rates of discrimination in other areas, including housing, health care, and areas of public accommodations.

In housing, research shows that gay and transgender individuals are shown less desirable properties and are quoted higher rent prices than applicants that are not gay or transgender. In health care, one study reveals that 56 percent of gay individuals and 70 percent of transgender people have encountered some form of discrimination, harassment, or substandard health care. And many Americans are denied equal treatment in a place of public accommodations such as a restaurant, retail store, or hotel simply because they are gay or transgender. What effect does discrimination have on gay and transgender Americans?

In addition to its emotional toll, discrimination has debilitating effects on the economic security of gay and transgender individuals and their families. Discrimination in housing has in part resulted in higher rates of homelessness among transgender adults. Suboptimal care due to discriminatory health care treatment has contributed to the numerous health inequities facing gay and transgender Americans, such as having higher rates of cancer than non-gay or transgender people. And discrimination in areas of public accommodations is all too common, and makes gay and transgender Americans feel isolated and afraid in their own communities.

What's the most effective way to combat this discrimination?

Cities, states, and the federal government can and should enact antidiscrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity to combat discrimination against gay and transgender Americans.

Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination inside and outside the workplace against individuals based on their sexual orientation. Thirteen states do so based on gender identity. Currently, no federal law exists to protect gay and transgender Americans from discrimination in employment, in housing, in health care, and in the community.

The proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act would make it illegal to discriminate against gay and transgender people in the workplace. Congress should swiftly pass this law, and enact legislation that protects gay and transgender Americans from senseless and unfair discrimination in all spheres of life.