The Issues:
Transgender Issues

Personal Stories: Dr. Linda Ingram

This testimony was delivered to Governor-Elect Martin O'Malley at a Town Hall Meeting on January 9, 2007 in Kensington, Maryland.

Good evening. I am Dr. Linda Ingram. I live and work in Maryland.

Governor, I wish to comment on legislation that exists in Baltimore that I encourage you to expand throughout the State of Maryland. This legislation is very important to me.

Equality Maryland is working with our friends in the General Assembly to amend the state's human rights laws to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression. For this, I ask your support.

As a foundation to my testimony, I will introduce myself. I am married and have a 25 year-old son. During vacations and weekends, I enjoy sailing on Chesapeake Bay. For my profession, I have a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and I am a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland.

To most people, this defines a good citizen, someone we want to have and protect within our community. With regard to this statement, I wish to add, I am a transsexual woman.

My decision to transition to life as a woman was a decision to live. To live in truth so I could be of greater service to myself and others. My transition was difficult due to my fear of society and my love for my family. My pain of living a false self became greater than my fear of the response of others. I believe no one can control another person. We can only offer education and guidance.

Within our country, 30 percent of our population is covered by gender identity and gender expression anti-discrimination protections laws. These laws exist in 72 cities (including Baltimore), 14 counties, and 6 states (include Washington DC). The State of Maryland does not provide this protection.

As guidance we implement laws with identified consequences. Protection by these laws should include not only those with gender identity or gender expression variances, but also their family, friends and employers. A goal of our laws must be harmony for all.

In closing... Please support expanding our state's anti-discrimination laws to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression.

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