POLICY & ADVOCACY
As long as my people don’t have their rights across America, there’s no reason for celebration.
Make no mistake, transgender rights are under attack. Across state legislatures, hundreds of bills are in play that are intentionally and unapologetically designed to limit our freedoms. The Marsha P. Johnson Institute knows the need for sustained, vocal policy and advocacy is urgent.
Policymaking is one of the most direct ways for the needs of the people to be heard and met. During policymaking, decisions are made over some of the most critical ways that tangible change can happen. A strong policy stance considers principles, and possibilities for legislation, and build relationships across government, the public, and non-profit organizations.
Policy directives also determine budget allocations and dictate the flow of spending. We must receive direct investment into the BLACK transgender community.
Hundreds of state bills and legislative actions are in play right now across the country. MPJI monitors these bills and directs resources when applicable to the transgender individuals in the states implementing the greatest harm, as these individuals are in the greatest need. Our national resource list is a dynamic, living guide of resources for transgender individuals across the country.
Equal rights aren’t going to come to us ever, full stop. In fact, the longer we wait, the more our rights will continue to be erased. We must actively fight against these measures and demand equal rights for all. The United States is still in a health crisis while facing a moment of reckoning. Now is the time for this country to protect equal rights for all in a just and equitable way. We can step back and allow discrimination to continue, or we can step forward and create the world we need to survive and thrive. the MPJI takes a holistic collaborative approach to partnering with other organizations so our voices are more than heard, they are exponential.
Coalition Partners
We continue to build relationships with our strategic partners. This includes the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs and Community Justice Action Fund, the focus in both spaces advocating for anti-violence.
Equality Act Working Group
Working with Freedom for All Americans, MPJI joined a host of national organizations that are working to facilitate the passage of the Equality Act across issues through strategic action. Human Rights Campaign, National LGBTQ Task Force, and Equality Federation are some groups present in this space.
Your Elected Officials
You are represented by elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels. At the federal level, your representatives are US Representatives, Congresspersons, and US Senators. Elected officials represent their constituents’ needs and will often base their decisions and stances on constituent feedback.
The state level mirrors the federal government, with state representatives and state senators.
- Find your state representatives here
- Register to vote
- Learn how to make your voice heard to your elected representatives.
MPJI Safety and Wellness Act
- Divestment and redistribution resources to community
- Get investment for Black trans women and safety
- Murders happening in Dallas, TX during this time.
- Meeting with Robert White – he committed to writing a bill
- Legislative act to decriminalize sex work
Letter of Support
In October 2021, MPJI launched our We Deserve initiative that included a letter of support. with (5) demands. As of December 2021, there are over 550 signatures endorsing our demands.
Recent Federal Actions
Read our statement about the reversal of Roe v Wade, and the interconnectedness of our right to bodily autonomy.
Marsha P. Johnson Institute: Supreme Court Ruling on Roe V. Wade Is an Unjust Attack on Human Rights
At the federal level, MPJI has worked to support the Equality Act, demanding an Equality Act that centers BLACK transgender people. Too often “equal rights for all” doesn’t really mean “all.” Along with the basic achievement of federal protections against discrimination, MPJI has demanded:
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Prioritized housing for BLACK transgender people, including subsidies and vouchers
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Basic income for BLACK transgender people regardless of occupation
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Abolition of all jails, prisons, and detention centers and dismantling policing and police
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Genderless comprehensive care for BLACK transgender people
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Direct resources that would prevent BLACK transgender from encountering gun violence
