Thank you for supporting MTPC’s 3rd Annual Transgender Equality Lobby Day

Thank you friends and community members,

What an amazing afternoon and to see Nurses Hall at the State House filled with transgender youth and adults, our families, friends and supporters all there to say its time for Transgender Rights in Massachusetts. It was incredible. Our estimate was that there was about 250 people in attendance.

Fourteen State Legislators including our sponsors, Rep Carl Scortino, Rep Byron Rushing, and Sen Ben Downing were in attendance as well as Asst. Secretary of the Office of Access and Opportunity Ron Marlow representing Gov. Deval Patrick. Also joining us was Boston City Councilor Felix Arroyo along with a message of support from Boston’s Mayor Thomas M. Menino. Joining the legislators was our very brave community members, Raffi, Marion, Maria, Lorelei, and Jesse, that all stood up and told their stories. Lastly, sending us off were Arline Isaacson, from MGLPC with a message of encouragement and and Rev. Cameron Partridge with an invocation.

Afterwards, our community was buzzing through out the State House talking about why this bill was so important and why it needs to be made a priority now. This bill is about equal protection and equal access to the same rights and responsibilities as any other person in the Commonwealth and I think we made that point loud and clear.

Thank you to all of our supporters that could not be with us that day, but also called and wrote to their legislator about the bill (its not too late to do this as well). We should all be proud of the work we have done together. This is our bill and our community.

Gunner Scott
Executive Director
Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition