The Issues:
Transgender Issues
Personal Stories: Falina Laron
My name is Falina Laron, and I am a 24 year old transgender female currently living in Baltimore City. As of right now, I do outreach, education, and prevention, working with transgender women (regardless of H.I.V. status) who want to work on reducing their health risks, build self-confidence, access resources and increase overall wellness.
Expanding Maryland's antidiscrimination law is important to me because I am a member of the transgender community, but it is also necessary because there is a direct link between transgenders being unable to support themselves and the rise of homelessness, drug usage, and prostitution which plague our communities. Every day, transgendered individuals commit suicide due to the extreme pressures that we face on a daily basis. Unhealthly behavior leads to high-risk activities, which in turn leads to a greater risk of H.I.V. infection rates in our communities.
I have dealt with blatant discrimination while trying to find work at places like McDonald's and stores at area malls, dealing with taunts and stares while on public transportation, and having ignorant people question why I use the women's restroom. I know first-hand the confusion and rejection that we face can lead to a downward spiral, which is not only painful but can have devastating effects on one's self esteem.
Passing this law is not about giving us "special treatment," it's about giving us the tools to live and work just like anyone else.
In closing, please support expanding our state's anti-discimanation laws to prohibit discimanation on the basis of gender identity or gender expression.
Click here to return to the Transgender Issues main page.