Equality Caucus Forms Groundbreaking Task Force on Transgender Equality

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus announced the creation of the Transgender Equality Task Force, which will be chaired by Congressman Mike Honda, D-Silicon Valley, just three days before the 2015 Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The new task force will focus on developing legislation and other initiatives to ensure that trans people have equal access and equal treatment under the law. Members include Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton from the District of Columbia, Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Rep. Joe Kennedy of Massachusetts and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey.

In his announcement of the Task Force, Chair Mike Honda said the following:

This week, as we seek to raise awareness of the issues facing the trans community, it is important to renew our commitment to help trans individuals be free of the fear of violence or bullying just for being who they are. It is my hope that by launching this workforce and holding a first-ever forum, we will reach some of my colleagues and encourage them to stand with the trans community. It is only through social change that we can truly elevate the conversation in this country and reach a place of true understanding and embrace all people for who they are.

The announcement coincided with a congressional forum on transgender violence which included testimony from leaders and representatives of the Transgender People of Color Coalition, The National Center for Transgender Equality ( NCTE ), The National Black Justice Coalition and The Center for American Progress ( CAP ) among others.