Transgender people and their families face many of the same legal issues confronted by lesbian, gay, and bisexual people and families. Often, these issues are made more difficult to overcome due to the existence of stereotypes, misinformation and, open hostility. Workplace discrimination, challenges to parental rights, and difficulties obtaining appropriate sex and name designations are just some of the issues faced by transgender people. Sex reassignment surgery is often difficult to obtain, due to many insurance companies excluding coverage of such procedures.

Currently, there is not a federal law that prohibits discrimination against transgender people in employment, public accommodations, housing, or any other areas. Very few states have such laws, although a growing number of cities, counties, and states do prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression. This leaves many transgender people vulnerable to discriminations.

Since gender follows physical sex for most people, transgenderism and even transsexualism are almost impossible to understand by those who are not transgendered themselves. Triangle Foundation aims to help break down society’s narrow idea of what it means to be a “real man” or a “real woman” through public education, in an effort to provide broader community support of transgender people.

Transgender individuals face a great deal of discrimination because of ignorance and fear within society. Transgender people are just like any other human being and should not be discriminated against or be targeted for violence or harassment based on their gender identity or expression. Transgender men and women face a myriad of challenges in society, communities, workplaces, within the family and their houses of worship. Triangle Foundation works to educate the larger community about transgender people and why gender non-conforming people should be judged on their merit not their gender identity or expression. Transgender individuals face obstacles to medical care, compassion and dignity when they decide to transition.

Triangle Foundation works to advance policy measures that will improve the quality of life for transgender people in Michigan and secure their full civil rights.