The following resources can be helpful to you if you’ve experienced discrimination and are wondering what you can do about it. You are also welcome to send us an email at info@masstpc.org. We’ll do what we can to help, but please check out these resources first, as we will most often refer you to one or more of them.
Statewide Help
If you believe that you have been the victim of discrimination or a hate crime because of your gender identity or gender expression, the following resources may be helpful (residents of Boston & Cambridge should also pursue these avenues):
- The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (how to file a complaint)
- Massachusetts Public School 2010 Anti-Bullying Law [download pdf]
- Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD):
- legal information hotline: 1-800-455-GLAD (M-F 1:30p-4:30p)
- Fenway Community Health Center’s Violence Recovery Program, 1-800-834-3242
- For anti-LGBT physical and verbal harassment
- Attorney General’s Office
The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General’s Office enforces Massachusetts laws that protect citizens of the Commonwealth from discrimination - The Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston: The Mission of the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston (FHCGB) is to work to eliminate housing discrimination and promote open communities throughout the region. We service the counties of Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk. For services click here.
Boston and Cambridge
Police
If you experience discrimination from a Boston Police officer, please file a complaint HERE. If you prefer to contact the Internal Affairs Division directly by phone to file a complaint, please call 617-343-4320, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please let MTPC know so we can track these complaints, HERE.
Public Accommodation, Housing, Credit
If you have been discriminated against because of gender identity/gender expression in public accommodation, housing, or credit, the following may be able to help you file a complaint and obtain compensation or restoration:
- Boston Mayor’s 24 Hour Help Line: 617-635-4500
Or, file by email - Cambridge Cambridge Human Rights Commission: 617-349-4396
Hours: 8:30 – 5:00; after-hours answering machine in both English and Spanish
Website:
http://www.cambridgema.gov/~HRC/
Other Resources
- Massachusetts State Civil Rights Resources
- The Network/La Red: Ending abuse in lesbian, bisexual women’s and transgender communities
617-423-SAFE (7233)v/tty info@thenetworklared.org
Support for partner abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault