Hoyer Statement on LGBT Equality Caucus’ Transgender Task Force and Forum

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus' forum on violence against the transgender community, which was held after the Caucus announced that it is launching the Transgender Equality Task Force: 

“Today, I was honored to join the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus at its forum to hear from stakeholders on how we can bring an end to violence against the transgender community.  Across our country, transgender Americans are confronted with violence and are struggling with legal discrimination and inequality – such as employment discrimination, denial of access to public facilities, and unequal treatment in our schools – that must be addressed by the states and by Congress. 

“I applaud the Caucus for launching the Transgender Equality Task Force today, which will work to raise awareness of issues facing transgender people and their families and craft policy positions and legislation to help combat intolerance, discrimination, and harassment.  As I made clear at today’s forum, the only test we have in our country, as Dr. Martin Luther King said, ought to be the content of one’s character. I look forward to working with the members of this new task force to continue fighting for transgender rights and equality in America.”