Text of MI HR 195 (2017)

Rep. Hoadley offered the following resolution: House Resolution No. 195. A resolution to declare November 14-20, 2017, as Transgender Awareness Week and November 20, 2017, as Transgender Day of Remembrance in the state of Michigan. Whereas, Transgender Awareness Week is recognized across the United States as a week where individuals and organizations work to increase the visibility of the transgender and gender non-conforming population; and Whereas, Transgender Awareness Week involves action by transgender people to educate and to advocate the people in their community concerning the prejudice, discrimination, and violence that transgender people face; and Whereas, The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey indicates that 30% of transgender Michigan residents are living in poverty. The same report states that 27% of transgender Michigan residents reported being fired, denied a promotion, or not hired for a job because of their gender identity or expression. The survey also cites that 26% of transgender Michigan residents experience housing discrimination, including being evicted or denied a home or apartment because of being transgender. The report also reveals that 15% of transgender Michigan residents reported being verbally harassed, one percent physically attacked, and one percent sexually assaulted when using a restroom; and Whereas, The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) reports that 16.2% of transgender students endure physical assault because of gender expression and 32.5% experience physical harassment; and Whereas, November 20, 2017, the last day of Transgender Awareness Week, is recognized throughout the United States as a day that honors the memory of those who lost their lives to anti-transgender violence in the past year; and Whereas, Transgender Awareness Week creates an opportunity for the people of Michigan to celebrate the rich variation of persons in our state and to value their many contributions to our communities; and Whereas, November 14-20, 2017, is recognized and celebrated as Transgender Awareness Week and November 20, 2017, is recognized and celebrated as Transgender Day of Remembrance throughout the country: now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare November 14-20, 2017, as Transgender Awareness Week and November 20, 2017, as Transgender Day of Remembrance in the state of Michigan. We pledge to continue our efforts in creating and maintaining a state that provides acceptance, equal opportunity, fair treatment, and human dignity for all people.