On this Transgender Day of Visibility, let’s take a moment to acknowledge each person’s right to be comfortable in their own skin. It’s something most of us may take for granted. But we must recognize that not everybody has that luxury. Let’s also remember that each of us has a role in respecting those who feel different about gender than what is assumed by the majority as either male or female.
On March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). The idea behind it is to raise awareness by celebrating the contributions of trans people. But this effort goes beyond acceptance and recognition. We must also look closely at the ways in which poverty, discrimination, and violence impact this community and what each of us can do to change that.
At Evaluation Plus, we are honored to work alongside our trans, non-binary and gender-expansive partners in our work and in our personal lives. We stand with you and we are committed to challenging misinformation and discrimination. And certainly, we reject the hate that is too often inflicted upon this community.
E-plus is proud to be part of the solution. We’ve helped advance the rights of elder LGBTQI persons with our SAGE project and are pleased with the progress we’ve made internationally in this area, though much more effort is required.
We’re also pleased to work with our local partner, FORGE, here in Wisconsin in our work with the Community & Cancer Science Network (CCSN). The project is working to address cancer disparities through research and action agendas created in partnership with members of the TNB (transgender or non-binary) community and academic medicine.
E-plus is committed to helping every community gain the rights they deserve, and the happier lives that will result when we are all more successful in our efforts. Please join us in this commitment.
Laura Pinsoneault, PhD, is President and CEO of Evaluation Plus
