Equality is the condition of possessing the same rights and privileges as others, and also having the same duties or responsibilities.  It is commonly known that we as transgender individuals are certainly expected to shoulder our share of society's burden, yet as the authors of Transgender Equality illustrate, progress has been slowly coming in our receiving the same treatment as non-transgender persons.

A co-publication of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force' (NGLTF) Policy Institute and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, this 96-page resource carefully documents the rise of transgender civil rights activism.  It starts with a historical review of the 1975 Minneapolis non-discrimination law and then reviews similar recent advances across the United States.  Among many things this included a careful scrutinizing of the language used in the passing of over 31 ordinances and laws affecting transgender men and women.

As we come to find, the words we and others use about questions of gender frequently determine how we will be treated, how court cases might outcome, how we might be employed and reside, and whether we can even use public facilities.  James Green, within his introduction to the publication carefully outlines the essentials.  His academic skills shine as he provides definitions and addresses compelling issues.  What does transgender mean?  Why are transgender rights also human rights?  What is the GLBT connection?  Mr. Green simplifies matters best when he states that "transgender people seek the same levels of social safety and security and the same affirmation of our inherent equality."

Transgender Equality is subtitled "A Handbook for Activists and Policymakers," yet it is so much more.  From F.M. Chester, a transgender lesbian coping with issues of non-conformity; to Dawn Wilson, a Kentucky GLBT activist; the accounts of the individuals contained within the resource mirror the intrinsic struggle every transgender person encounters.  We walk a heroic journey simply by embracing, sharing and taking our place at the table of humanity.

Paisely Currah, an associate political science professor and attorney Shannon Minter are the principal authors.  In an interview prior to this review each spoke of the project being a labor of love. "We did not want to approach this project as "experts," but really more as reporters.  Our goal was to gather as much information and as many different perspectives as we could, in the hope of finding out which legislative approaches work the best, what are the pitfalls, and how we can keep the momentum going nationwide," Minter said.  The authors have unquestionably exceeded this goal, and spoke of continuing their research and development of the project.  Nevertheless, obtaining the current issue of the publication is requisite for anyone interested in civil rights activistism and our history.

Perhaps the most important task Transgender Equality fulfills, is the manner in which it carefully outlines how to win civil rights protections in legislation, deal with employers and schools, and overcome discriminatory practices in other venues.  Additionally, the authors include a Debunking Myths and Misconceptions section, which provides critical answers to the questions that persons in decision-making positions may raise.  In an easy-to-understand fashion the reader is left with the impression he or she can effectively improve on quality of life and stamp out discriminatory practices through a variety of means.

Transgender Equality may be viewed free in its entirety, in PDQ format, or it may be ordered as a print publication by visiting http://www.ngltf.org/library/.   There are also a number of similar publications worth perusing during your visit to the NGLTF web site.