The Fight for Equality: Trans* Rights in America | A Cougs Vote Public Square Discussion

About the event

Trans* rights have been under attack through the introduction and passage of a number of bathroom laws in recent months. In Washington State, the Senate introduced and passed six bills limiting bathroom access statewide to gender of birth. While these bills did not pass in the House, South Dakota became the first state to pass specifically anti-trans* legislation on February 16. This legislation requires public school students to use the bathroom and locker room that correspond to their biological sex.

For trans* individuals, these laws create a hostile environment that does not recognize their gender identities. Politicians claim these laws protect women from being sexually assaulted by transgender women, but no research indicates that trans* people assault others at rates any higher than the general population. In fact, these laws put trans* individuals in greater danger of sexual assault and abuse. Rates of trans* people who have experienced sexual violence in their lives is between 50% to 64%.

On Tuesday, March 8 at 12 PM in Butch’s Den, join the Center for Civic Engagement for a special International Women’s Day Public Square discussion about the rights and experiences of trans* people. As part of the 2016 Cougs Vote campaign, this Public Square will also feature a discussion about political or law-based discrimination against trans* people within the context of the 2016 presidential race. Sponsors of this Public Square discussion include the CUB, WSU Libraries, IP International Center, Women’s Center and GIESORC. To learn more about Cougs Vote or other upcoming Public Square discussions, visit http://cce.wsu.edu. Pullman students should register for this event on CougSync.